President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday arrived at the Eagles Square in Abuja for the 2022 Democracy Day Parade.
The parade is an annual exercise held in honour of the nation’s return to civil rule and to remember Nigeria’s heroes of democracy.
President Buhari’s arrival was heralded by a general salute, signalling the official kick off of the exercise in the nation’s capital.
Prior to the President’s arrival, the guards had fallen into formation with several general salutes taken to welcome squad leaders and the commander of the Guards Brigade.
There were also general salutes for the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of the Police Force, as well as salutations for former presidents and vice presidents, among other dignitaries.
Present at the arena to welcome President Buhari were the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; ministers and other members of the President’s cabinet, members of the National Assembly, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The ground is not as full as one would expect, but civilians are not left out of the exercise as one could see visibly the presence of students and teachers from various schools, many bearing the Nigerian flag.
President Buhari is expected to inspect the guards and sign the anniversary register after which the parade formalities would be concluded.