Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesman of the African Democratic
Congress (ADC), has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the
65th Independence Anniversary parade, describing it as another sign of
disconnect between the presidency and the Nigerian people.
The Federal Government had on Monday announced the
cancellation of the parade, which was scheduled for October 1 in Abuja.
Other anniversary activities, however, will go ahead as
planned.
But in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday,
Abdullahi faulted the move, saying the parade is a symbolic moment that should
not be abandoned.
“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. “
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