By Rapheal

Copyright thesun

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has excoriated the Federal Government over its decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, saying that action has robbed the country of an important symbolic moment that should not be taken lightly.

“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,” National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said yesterday.

But what did the government do yet again?” he queried. “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.”

Federal Government on Monday evening announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated Independence Anniversary parade, originally planned for today.

In a press release issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the government clarified that this cancellation does not undermine the importance of the milestone year. Rather, it reflects a decision to prioritise other forms of commemoration.

The government assured Nigerians that all other scheduled events for the Independence Anniversary will proceed as planned.

The celebrations traditionally featured military parades, cultural displays, and public events including fireworks and music performances.

In recent years, the Independence Day event has often taken place at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

Past celebrations included the invitees witnessing the ceremonial changing of guards at the Villa integrated with Independence Day observances. The celebrations tend to balance military parade displays with dignified cultural elements.

ADC spokesman speculated that the cancellation might not be unconnected to Tinubu’s absence from the capital. The president who is reportedly in Lagos on a working visit was in Owerri, Imo State yesterday.

“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.”

The former youths and sports minister also linked the cancellation to a pattern of the President’s absence from key national events. “I think all of this reflects 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.”

Abdullahi stressed that skipping important national ceremonies sends the wrong message both 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.