Independence Parade: Cancellation shows presidency’s disconnect from Nigerians – Bolaji Abdullahi

African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the 65th Independence Day parade, calling it a sign of disconnect between the presidency and Nigerians.

The FG had announced on Monday that the October 1 parade in Abuja would not hold, though other anniversary events would continue. Abdullahi, however, argued in an interview with Daily Post that the parade is a symbolic moment that should not be discarded.

“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?

“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.

“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? 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.” 

He also questioned why President Bola Tinubu failed to attend other key national events in recent times, including the passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy, insisting such absences raise concerns about the government’s priorities.

“I think all of this reflect how the government continues to diminish the country, because these issues are connected. 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. “