Celebration

Gowon, Jonathan Join Buhari at Independence Ceremony

By Chinedu Ibeakanma

October 02, 2020

 

Former Nigeria leaders Yakubu Gowon and Goodluck Jonathan were among the dignitaries that joined President Muhammadu Buhari at the 60th Independence anniversary celebration on Thursday in Abuja.

The President’s wife, Aisha and wife of former President Jonathan, Dame Patience were also at the event held at the Eagle Square.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also led other top dignitaries including Senate President Ahmad Lawan, his House of Representative counterpart, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad.

President Buhari had arrived the venue at 10am after which he reviewed a mounted parade from a soapbox. Afterwards, he was escorted to inspect the guards in a parade in an open van.

The parade comprised of members of the Armed Forces – the Army, Air Force, and Navy – and other para-military forces.

The high point of the ceremony was the Nigerian Air Force display, which was scaled down because of inclement weather.