Nothing To Celebrate At 51? I disagree, says Shagari

NOTWITHSTANDING the socio-economic and political challenges confronting Nigeria, former President Shehu Shagari says the mere fact that she overcomes crises and has thus far survived as an entity was enough reason to celebrate her 51st  independence anniversary.
Shagari was full of  hope that Nigeria will emerge stronger from her challenges.
According to him, having overcome several challenges in the past, Nigeria has the capacity to tackle current and future challenges.
“I disagree with those who say we have nothing to celebrate. It is not easy to attain 51 years of age. Mr. President has now garnered a lot of experience.

From right; First Lady,Dame Patience Jonathan;Vice President Namadi Sambo and wife;House Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihediora; Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher and former Head of State,General Yakubu Gowon, cutting Nigeria's 51st Independence anniversar cake, yesterday.

Since experience, they say, is the best teacher, we cannot solve problems without good experience and now Nigeria is not now to these problems again”, Shagari told journalists, yesterday, after attending the low key celebrations of the anniversary at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja..
The former president, who stated that Nigeria  has attained the status of a great nation, predicted a bright future for the country.
“We are a great nation. You can only claim to be great when you are confronted with challenges of this nature and you overcome them. I do not think having overcome other challenges, these ones will hold us down. We are happy”.

President Goodluck Jonathan signing the Anniversary register assisted by Brig. General Emmanuel Atewe .

He said he was happy that this year’s celebrations were devoid of problems, describing the current security situation in the country as “unfortunate”.
“During our time, we were very lucky that we did not have to contend with this kind of security challenges. What is happening is unfortunate but we shall overcome just the way we overcame all other challenges as a nation.
“In each case, when there were problems, we managed somehow to overcome them and, by the grace of God, there is nothing that will stop us from our progress. Nigeria is progressing, whether anybody likes it or not”.
Low key celebrations at Aso Rock
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, yesterday, made good its low-key prescription for Nigeria’s 51st independence anniversary.  Aso Rock, the seat of power, was  without much activities as the Presidential Villa merely witnessed a social change of guard and signpost, to mark the anniversary.
Held at the forecourt of the president’s office, the ceremony featured two battalions of the Guards Brigade, the 177 battalion based in Keffi and the Seventh Guards Battalion, Abuja.

The Eagle Square bereft of the usual Independence Day activities " yesterday. Photo: Saharareporters.

The arrival of the first family, led by President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, at exactly 10:05 a.m., signalled the commencement of proceedings.
Jonathan then inspected  the quarter guard at the forecourt gate, after which he headed to the podium where he received the general salute. The National Anthem followed.
The president of  Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritshejafor, and the chief imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheik Usman Muhammad, took turns to offer prayers.
The presidential change of guards was performed by 61 soldiers and involved foot and arms drill, rhythmic and calculated steps.
The presidential change of guards is normally performed every Monday morning to regimentation and that instructions given are carried out to the letter.
Moments after the ceremony,  Jonathan signed the anniversary register, before proceeding to cut the anniversary cake.
Jonathan was accompanied by his wife; Vice President Namadi Sambo and his wife; Senate President David Mark; Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who represented  Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Shagari.
The president later released pigeons, a ritual which  signifies peace.
Others at the occasion include  ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, high profile politicians and members of the organized private sector.
This is the first time a formal presidential change of guards took place at the Villa and witnessed by the public though a selected crowd.
Before now, especially during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, only the cutting of the cake was done at the forecourt after the independence parade usually held at the Eagles Square, Abuja.