Obasanjo Absent As Gowon, Jonathan Celebrates With Buhari

Some of the important personalities who graced the celebration of the 60th independence anniversary of Nigeria, which held at the Eagle Square in Abuja, were the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Both former head of states, joined the President, who were the only past leaders present at the event, joined Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to sign the anniversary register.

Also in attendance was a former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya; former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo; and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was conspicuously absent at the event.

The event, however, coincided with the 10th year anniversary of the bomb explosion planted by militants under the aegis of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta.

12 persons, including security operatives, lost their lives in the twin bomb blasts, while 17 others were seriously injured.

The parade, which was made up of the nation’s armed forces and para-military agencies, also witnessed a display of traditional dances and other performances by military and civilian artists.

The high point of the ceremony was the Nigerian Air Force’s display, which had to be stopped because the weather conditions was poor.