Saraki, Dogara Shun Independence Anniversary Parade

The Duo of Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, and Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, were conspicuously missing at the parade event marking Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary on Monday in Abuja.
Both legislative leaders, who are the third and fourth citizens in the country’s political hierarchy, were absent from the Eagle Square, venue of the parade, where the cream de la creme of Nigeria’s political, military and security elite have converged.
President Muhammadu Buhari led the repertoire of dignitaries at the event. Also present were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria; and Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state.
Also present are Gabriel Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff; Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff; Sadique Abubakar, the Chief of Naval Staff ; Ibok Ekwe Ibas, the Chief of Naval Staff; and Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector General of Police among others.
According to Premium Times, Turaki Hassan, the spokesperson of Dogara, said he was not aware if his principal was invited to the parade event or his reason for not attending.
“Actually, I am out of Abuja and I don’t know what is happening there,” he said.
Saraki and Dogara recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which they both left in 2014.