October 1: Jonathan keeps off Eagle Square

Nigeria’s president for the second year will be holed in his official residence at Aso Villa while he celebrated Nigeria’s 52nd independence anniversary.

Hitherto, Nigeria’s military and civilian leaders observed the ceremonial parade and the change of guards at Eagle Square, since 1991 when Abuja became the capital of Nigeria. But all that changed in 2010 after a fatal bombing of the Eagle Square.

In a statement today, the presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati said the President will now watch a ceremonial Change of Guards by the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, at the State House, Abuja. This ceremony will be witnessed by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, former heads of state, members of the diplomatic corps, political leaders, government officials, and other dignitaries.

As part of the activities marking Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will also address the nation on Monday, October 1, 2012.

The broadcast will be aired at 7.00 am.

Abati urged all television stations to hook up to the Nigerian Television Authority, while radio stations should hook up to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

The ceremonial parade will be transmitted live, from 10.00 am, on the NTA and FRCN Networks, and other broadcast stations across the country.