The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, describing it as another example of the disconnect between the presidency and ordinary Nigerians.
Naijaonpoint reported earlier that the Federal Government, on Monday, announced the cancellation of the parade, earlier scheduled for October 1 in Abuja, while noting that other anniversary activities would still go ahead.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the cancellation robbed the country of an important symbolic moment that should not be taken for granted.
“This independence celebration is a remarkable milestone. It is an opportunity for Nigeria to project itself to the world and inspire the people, to renew their confidence in the country and their government. But what did the government do yet again?” Abdullahi said.
“I am sure the reason the Presidency cancelled the parade is because the President is not in Abuja. The last time I checked, he was in Lagos, unless he returned without the public knowing.”
Abdullahi expressed shock at the timing of the decision, questioning the explanation that the move was tied to the economic situation.
“This Independence time, everybody was looking forward to it. So, why the sudden cancellation? What happened?
“They might claim the cancellation was in line with the government’s modest approach due to the economic situation. But at what point did they suddenly realize there is an economic challenge in the country? When they were sending out invitations, didn’t they know about the economic reality then?” the ADC chieftain asked.
“Whatever they are hiding, they owe it to Nigerians to be transparent. And we would soon know. This decision does not reflect who we are as a country. It is simply another case of presidential abstinence,” Abdullahi added.
ADC Questions Tinubu’s Absence at Key National Events
The ADC spokesman also linked the decision to a wider pattern of President Bola Tinubu’s absence from key national ceremonies.
“I think all of this reflects how the government continues to diminish the country, because these issues are connected,” Abdullahi said.
“Just two days ago, we raised the concern that the President has not attended the passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy for two years. About 800 officers were commissioned into the Nigerian military last Saturday, yet the President was absent.
“If he could not attend personally, he could at least have sent the Chief of Army Staff. And why was the President not there? The President was in Lagos to commission the renovated National Arts Theatre.”
Independence Day Cancellation Diminishes the Country
Abdullahi argued that skipping important national events sends the wrong message to Nigerians and the international community.
“These are moments that project our identity as a nation. They are opportunities to unite the people and give them hope. When they are treated lightly, it diminishes who we are,” he concluded.
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