President Muhammadu Buhari was on Tuesday joined by former Head of State, Mr Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Namadi Sambo and former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, Mr Oladipp Diya at the Presidential Change of Guards held at Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The ceremony which took place at the Fore Court of the State House was part of activities put together to mark Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary.

The Presidential Change of Guards was attended by Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of Federal Executive Council as well as traditional and religious leaders.

There was a colorful presidential change of guard from the 177 guard battalion that handed over to a new guard of the 7th battalion of the Guards Brigade.

President Buhari was ushered into the forecourt at exactly 10:00 am by pipers from the Guards Brigade after inspecting a guard of honour at the quarter guard mounted in front of the presidential office.

It was the first since President Buhari was sworn in for the second term in office.

Vice President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Mr Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Tanko attended the ceremony.

Also at the ceremony were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, Inspector- General of Police, Mr Muhammed Adamu, Service Chiefs, and other top government functionaries.

Guests witnessed the 21 gun salute in honour of President Buhari and the country’s independence anniversary.

There were also inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, colour party, posting of sentries and weapons and uniform inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

There was no speech at the ceremony, but Mr Buhari signed the anniversary register and released pigeons from cage to signify peace.

The President, assisted by some top dignitaries, cut the anniversary cake.

The celebration at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa, replaced the full military parade, drills, and entertainments which used to hold at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Vanguard