President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday marked this year’s independence anniversary in a low-key at the State House, Abuja.
He was joined in the celebration by former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, former Head of Interim Government, Earnest Shonekan and former Chief of General Staff, Oladipo Diya.
Also with the President to witness the traditional Change of Guard were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal among other top government functionaries.
The Guards Brigade headed by Brig Gen Emmanuel Atewe, is responsible for the protection of the President, Vice President and their spouses, all those who reside within the vicinity of Aso Rock and by extension, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The colourful Change of Guard ceremony was the sole event marking the 53rd independence anniversary with President Jonathan as the special Guest of Honour.
President Jonathan inspected the parade mounted by 136 officers of the Nigerian Army after which he signed the Independence anniversary register and released 53 white pigeons which symbolizes peace in the country.
Highlights of the colourful event which displayed the rich tradition of the Nigerian Army were: the inspection of a New Guard/Quarter Guard; a Silent Drill; Posting of Sentries, Colour Patrol and the cutting of anniversary cake.
Earlier, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor; and the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Musa Mohammed, offered special prayers for peace to reign across the length and breadth of the country.
Also present at the occasion were very senior military officers including the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim, Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Inspector General of Police and other heads security and paramilitary agencies.
The leadership of the ruling PDP led by Bamanga Tukur was not left out as well as top government functionaries, including lawmakers, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mike Oghiadomhe, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Anyim Pius Anyim; Head of Service; ministers and presidential aides.
