Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has advised President Bola Tinubu to cancel the Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1. In a video message, Ayodele warned that holding the parade could expose the country to danger. He urged the president to consider canceling the event without providing details on the nature of the potential threat. This warning comes as the Federal Government prepares to mark Nigeria's 66th anniversary with a low-key program.
The Federal Government has announced a series of activities to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary. The events include a World Press Conference, Juma’at Service, Church Service, and an Independence Day Public Lecture, culminating in President Tinubu's nationwide broadcast on October 1. An Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has been established to coordinate the celebrations. The committee comprises several ministers and senior government officials.
According to the government, the 66th Independence anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the country's founding fathers and heroines and assess the progress made since independence in 1960. The anniversary activities will be low-key, given the current circumstances in the country. Akume has urged members of the committee to work with urgency ahead of October 1. The events are designed to promote national reflection and unity.
Beyond the Independence Day warning, Ayodele also cautioned Nigerians against accepting gifts or inducements from politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged voters to reject material considerations and make their electoral choices according to their conscience and the interests of the country. Ayodele emphasized the importance of voting for the right people who will truly serve the interests of the people.
In a separate development, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state has called on presidential aspirants, particularly from the North, to defer their ambitions until 2031. Yusuf advocated for the rotation of presidential power between the North and South, with each region allowed to produce a president for two consecutive terms. He urged support for President Tinubu to complete his second term, enabling the South to complete its two-term cycle before power returns to the North in 2031.
Yusuf's suggestion has sparked debate about the rotation of power between Nigeria's regions. His proposal aims to promote stability and balance in the distribution of power. The Governor's statement has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. The implementation of such a proposal would require significant discussions and agreements among Nigeria's political leaders.
The 66th Independence anniversary celebrations will take place amid significant challenges facing the country. Nigerians will gather to reflect on the country's progress and challenges. The events will provide an opportunity for national reflection and a reaffirmation of Nigeria's unity.
Key points
- Primate Elijah Ayodele warns President Tinubu to cancel October 1 parade due to potential danger.
- The Federal Government has planned low-key activities to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary.
- Governor Abba Yusuf suggests rotation of presidential power between North and South.
