Special military parade for Buhari at 76

A SPECIAL military parade was held yesterday at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa by 203 members of the Guards Brigade in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, who turned 76.

The various military displays began when the President arrived at the venue around 12.22pm with the rendition of the National Anthem.

The ceremony, which began with the inspection of quarter Guard at the ceremonial gate of the State House, was followed by a special rendition that ushered the celebrator into the forecourt.

It was followed by a special performance by the silent drill squad of the Guards Brigade, which included the formation of words like PMB @ 76.

There was a special display also by the Guards Brigade Band before the presentation of birthday cards to the President.

Defence Minister Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali presented on behalf of the Armed Forces and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha presented on behalf of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Chief of Staff Abba Kyari presented on behalf of presidential aides while the Guards Brigade also made a special presentation.

The high point of the event was the cutting of the birthday cake by the President, who was flanked by ministers, aides and other top government officials.

It was the first elaborate even to mark the President’s birthday since the inception of his administration in 2015.

Speaking to reporters on the celebration organised by his aides and Guards Brigade, President Buhari said: “Well, I’m impressed with it, they have put a lot of time behind it. I thank and appreciate them very much.”

On what to expect going forward, the President said: “We will keep reminding Nigerians about what we have done; how we met the country, what we have been able to do from the time we came in to now with the resources available to us.”

Speaking in Hausa language, he replied a reporter, who put his birthday at 75, with “It’s 76, why will you reduce one year from my age?”

“Nigerians should continue to pray for me and understand my intentions and give me time.”

Mustapha said: “It is such an exciting time for us to share in this very glorious celebration of the 76th birthday of our dear president and our dear leader.

“In a typical simplistic manner – just a simple military parade and the cutting of the cake – because he has got work to do. He has just returned to the office to continue with the day’s proceedings. He came out of an event, 2018 National Migration Dialogue and then straight into this.

“But it is such a joyous and beautiful day to see him strong, healthy and hearty, considering the health challenges he went through in the last two years, we cannot wish him any other thing but bountiful health and wisdom to take this country out of the present situation which we find ourselves, a trajectory of prosperity and progress.”

On what to expect from the President going forward, the SGF said: “They should expect a lot. The President is renewed in his spirit, strength and in his resolved and determination to put this country back on the part of greatness, that is his ultimate desire, that every Nigerian young, old, upcoming should be able to press whatever desire they want to achieve in the nation that is so endowed with a lot of wealth, a lot of goodness.

“There will be a lot that will be released in the next couple of days and Mr. President is so strong and determined to hit the road and I can tell you by the time he starts, Nigerians will be able to have a lot to be thankful for.”

The Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa said: “As the president turns 76 today, we can only wish him the very best. A man of unparalleled humility; a man of tremendous integrity; I mean you can say anything about the President, but you know he is not corrupt. He will not steal your money. At this point in time, that is the kind of leader we need.

“It’s like building a house, no matter how hard you build you need a good foundation, that is what we are going through now, painful period but I tell you we can only reap tremendous benefits.

“We need to support the president and Insha Allah he will lead us by the grace of God till 2023 in our nation.” she said

On his part, the Defence minister thanked God for seeing Buhari through to reach the age of 76.

He said: “We are all proud as members of Armed Forces and Security of Nigeria to present a birthday card to him for leading us very well. We thank him for the support he has been giving the armed forces and other security agencies in Nigeria.

“Despite the security the challenges we have reached a milestone in the past three years we have achieved a lot.

“The Nigerians armed forces will put in more efforts, he has always encouraged us to work harder, we have achieved a lot but we still need to do more.”

Guards Brigade Commander Brig.-Gen. Umar Musa said: “The decision to put up this parade is because handling ceremonial activities in the state House is the responsibility of Guards Brigade, either personal or official.

“It is in that regard that we decided to organize this surprise birthday package for Mr. President. He was not aware until the preparation was completed.

“This is a rear privilege to have Mr. President come out and this will engineer us to do more, we will redouble our efforts in the course of our duty in the State House.”