From left: Jonathan,  Obasanjo and Buhari

Despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s arrival and the commencement of the event, former presidents and head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Yakubu Gowon, respectively, were still absent at the Eagles Square venue of the 2019 Democracy Day celebration to mark 20 years of uninterrupted return to civil rule.


According to the schedule of the event, former presidents and Heads of state were supposed to arrive the venue by 9.35am.
But, as at 10:04 am when President Buhari arrived the venue, the former Nigerian leaders had still not arrived the venue, The Nation’s report claimed.
President Muhammadu Buhari has, on Wednesday, arrived the Eagles Square venue of the Democracy Day celebration at exactly 10:04 a.m.
His arrival ensured the commencement of the 2019 June 12 Democracy Day celebration being attended by world leaders.
The President waited to receive other world leaders before taking salute on the Saluting Dais and rendition of the National anthem.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had arrived the venue about five minutes before the President.
The new Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have also arrived at the Eagles Square.
Members of the late MKO Abiola’s family, including Kola were also at the Eagles Square.
Buhari also rode in a special inspection vehicle to inspect guards on parade and acknowledged cheers from the invited guests.
All the troops are also to carry out parade march in slow and quick time.
While military musical display, silent drill and cultural troupe performance are planned for the celebration, all troops will also take part in advance in review order.
The President is expected to deliver the Democracy Day Address before the celebration comes to an end.
However,  President Muhammad Buhari has announced the change of the name of the National Stadium, Abuja, to MKO Abiola Stadium.
Buhari and MKO Abiola

Mr Buhari made this pronouncement during his speech at the Democracy Day celebration on Wednesday at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
June 12 was signed into law on Monday as Democracy Day as a mark of honour to Mr Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Abuja National Stadium 

Highlights of the president’s speech on the occasion included the issue of infrastructure provision to rural areas to engender micro-economy in the country. 

Mr Buhari also pledged to continue the fight against corruption, insecurity and economic development, adding that “we will enshrine a Nigeria that works for Nigerians and not just a few people” during his second tenure.
(NAN)