• The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has called the popular Independence Day parade scheduled for Wednesday, October 1
• According to a statement from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the event was part of the earlier schedule of the 65th Independence celebration
• Nigerians have started reacting to the statement, demanding a reason for the sudden cancellation of the event

The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced that the popular Independence Day Anniversary parade will not take place. The event was earlier scheduled as part of the 65th Independence celebration on Wednesday, October 1.

This was announced by Segun Imohiosen, the director of information and public relations in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a statement in Abuja on Monday, September 29.

The government explained that the development did not have any diminishment on the independence anniversary and that the government remained committed to the 65th year of independence of Nigeria with enthusiasm and dignity.

According to the statement, the government regret any inconvenience that the development might have caused.

However, some Nigerians have started expressing their views about the move. Below are some of their reactions:

Kenee Muji demanded the reason for the cancellation:

“You’ve not stated any reasons for the cancellation. Not surprised! This administration is known for such misdemeanours. Lest I forget, can you state any reform of your government?”

Chinyere Ewekechinyere

“There is nothing like Nigeria. Nigeria died in 1914 at the expiration of the 100-year British amalgamation MOU. After December 31st 2013, Nigeria ceased to exist. Everything that has happened since then is a fraud.”

Megamixer commented:

Mr Bayo Onanuga @aonanuga1956, with a national milestone at stake, the president’s spokesperson can and must do better than an opaque announcement that gives no reason and leaves citizens and stakeholders guessing. Clarity first, not opacity. Cancelling Nigeria’s 65th Independence parade for Wednesday, 1 October 2025, without any stated reason, erodes trust before the celebrations even begin and invites avoidable speculation that distracts from the anniversary itself.

A decision of this magnitude requires a transparent public interest rationale, the named decision authority, and the policy or legal basis upon which it is based. Citizens are entitled to know whether this decision was based on an intelligence-led security assessment, a severe weather alert, budget reprioritisation, national mourning, or a public health concern, and on whose advice the call was made. The Freedom of Information Act 2011 promotes proactive disclosure where there is an overriding public interest, and the cancellation of a national ceremony plainly meets that threshold.”

See the full statement here:

Source: Legit.ng