THE ice finally thawed yesterday as President Muhammadu Buhari and the embattled President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, finally met face to face at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Saraki was one of the dignitaries who joined President Buhari to mark the nation’s 55th independence anniversary at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.It was the first time Saraki will be seen openly inside the Presidential Villa since he emerged President of the Senate against dictate of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Both men sat close to each other, shared jokes and laughed heartily sending photographers in a frenzy as they struggled to photograph them.
Speaking to State House correspondents later, Saraki maintained that the future of Nigeria is bright.
He assured that the National Assembly will continue to make laws that will impact positively on Nigerians, adding that it will not be business as usual.
“I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In next few years, things will be even better. It will not be business as usual. We will ensure that the National Assembly will be people- oriented and make laws that will make impact on Nigerians,” he said.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmud Mohammed on his part said: “We will make it by the grace of God. We are on the right path.”
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, also said Nigeria is now on the road to progress and prosperity.
“At 55, we have finally discovered that we are on the wrong road. We have finally moved to the road that leads to progress, hope, employment, prosperity and that will lead to Nigeria finally attaining that greatness that God destined it for. We are on the way.”
Yesterday’s low-key celebration which witnessed the ceremonial presidential change of guard to mark the occasion, was the first in the democratic administration of President Buhari.
The President had pruned down this year’s budget to N70 million.
The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours, was held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja replacing the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja before 2010.
Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration witnessed bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has marked all subsequent anniversaries in Aso Rock.
Yesterday’s event started with the arrival of President Buhari, who inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
There was also 21 gun salute in honour of President Buhari.
The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.
Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage to signify peace. He was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.
Among those who attended the ceremony include the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, former head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the head of the Interim National Govt, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General. Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya, former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, and service chiefs.
Also in attendance were former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, APC Bayelsa State Governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
Kano cancels anniversary celebration
Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, cancelled celebration of Nigeria’s independence as a result of the Hajj tragedy in Saudi Arabia a few days ago.
Deputy governor of the state, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who made this known on behalf of his principal, explained that the tragic stampede, which killed hundreds of pilgrims, including Nigerians would not allow for any celebration in the state.
Daily Sun observed that there was no official activity to mark the day in the state.
“The people of the state should use the period to pray for the repose of the deceased and for the country,” he said. While congratulating Nigeria on its 55th anniversary, he paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, who sacrificed so much for the country to be free from the shackles of colonialism and foreign domination
He congratulated Nigerians for having a leader of astute quality in the President, Muhammadu Buhari at this critical time of the nation’s development, when there was so much despair and hopelessness in the country due to high level of corruption, mismanagement and infrastructure decay.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said all Nigerians, who went on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia this year would be accounted for. Speaking yesterday when he visited families of those affected by the tragedy in Saudi Arabia from Sokoto, Tambuwal said Hajj officials were working round the clock to ensure all victims are properly identified and documented.
The areas most affected in Sokoto are Illela, Binji and Wamakko local government areas of the state.
Addressing the families during a stop in Jamali village of Binji Local Government Arae, Tambuwal said so far, government was still collating the number of pilgrims who died, suffered injuries or classified as missing.
He announced that as soon as the collation was completed, his administration would assist the families in the best way possible.
He assured that the APC governments, both at national and state levels, will ensure that things are done rightly to reposition governance to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people for the social and economic wellbeing of the country.
He commended the President for his effort in restoring peace in the Northern part of the country and for fighting corruption that has become so endemic in Nigeria.
The governor reiterated that his administration will, regardless of the dwindling revenue, continue to deliver on its promises of not only completing inherited projects but initiating new ones so as to ensure rapid development of the state.
He explained that government is doing its best at improving its local revenue base and blocking wastage in order to ensure that resources are efficiently and effectively utilized.
He further reassured that education, health, youth and women empowerment as well as agriculture among others will continue to be given priority by the administration even as he called on the people to support government at all levels in order to reap the fruits of democracy.
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