Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Federal Government’s sudden announcement cancelling the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, has drawn heavy backlash on social media, with Nigerians accusing the presidency of failing to provide a clear explanation.
The announcement, made public by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, quickly attracted criticism. One user, Mega Mixer, faulted the alleged vague communication, insisting that Nigerians deserved to know the reason behind the decision.
“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,” Mega Mixer wrote.
“Cancelling Nigeria’s 65th Independence parade without any stated reason erodes trust before the celebrations even begin and invites avoidable speculation that distracts from the anniversary itself,” he said.
He stressed that the cancellation required a transparent rationale, including whether it was based on security intelligence, budget cuts, severe weather, national mourning, or a public health concern.
“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,” he added.
Others on X echoed the sentiment. Another user identified as Iyke noted that while the decision was regrettable, Nigerians must look at the bigger picture.
“Parades hold symbolic value, but what matters most at 65 years of nationhood is Nigeria’s ability to confront economic hardship, insecurity, weak infrastructure, and governance reforms,” he wrote. “Citizens must rise above disappointment to hold leaders to higher standards, support genuine reforms, and demand visible progress.”
But some users raised sharper concerns. Ugo Alhassan asked: “What happens to funds initially budgeted for this event?”
Another, Bwg Gwa, accused the government of evading responsibility: “This government should be responsible for once. Don’t we deserve to know why the cancellation? What is all this? Look at the statements coming from the presidency. Hmmmmm.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government, in its official release signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, maintained that the cancellation “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” assuring that all other Independence Anniversary programmes would proceed as planned.
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