Former Minister of Sports and seasoned political commentator, Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticized the Nigerian Presidency over the sudden cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade. Abdullahi described the decision as a clear indication of the government’s disconnect from the Nigerian people, highlighting the symbolic importance of the parade in national unity and pride.
Abdullahi speculated that the cancellation might be linked to the President’s absence from the capital, speaking from Lagos rather than Abuja at a crucial moment. He urged the government to provide transparent reasons for the abrupt change, questioning whether it was due to security concerns, budget constraints, or other undisclosed factors.
The Independence Day parade, typically held at Eagle Square in Abuja, is a traditional event featuring military displays, cultural performances, and patriotic celebrations. Its cancellation days before the event sparked disappointment and confusion among citizens and stakeholders, many of whom took to social media to express their frustrations and demand answers.
Abdullahi’s comments resonate with a broader call among Nigerians for greater accountability and communication from the government. Many netizens also echoed the call for more transparency, suggesting that the parade’s cancellation without clear explanation undermines public trust and dampens national morale.
The Presidency, while apologizing for the inconvenience and assuring that other Independence Day programs will proceed, has yet to provide specific reasons for the decision. This silence continues to fuel speculation and dissatisfaction ahead of the landmark 65th anniversary celebrations.