Nigeria at 58: Saraki, Dogara snub Independence Day parade

Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, are both absent at Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary Parade, holding at The Eagle Square in Abuja.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari; his vice, Yemi Osinbajo; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen; and former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon among other dignitaries are in attendance.

After the ceremonial parade comprising of the Armed Forces, police and other para-military agencies, there will also be a parade of the nation’s military hardware as well as air displays.

A photo exhibition depicting Nigerian history and an Independence Day dinner, are also slated for today, as part of the ceremonies to mark the occasion.

Saraki and Dogara recently left the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party.

While Saraki is aiming to replace Buhari in the 2019 election, Dogara is seeking re-election as a member of the House of Representatives.