Democracy Day celebration: Three collapse during military parade in Abuja

At least three persons collapsed at the Eagle Square during the military parade to mark the Democracy Day ceremony on Monday.

Those who collapsed during the parade were believed to be members of the different units of the military, who had been on their feet hours before the commencement of the event.

The colorful parade, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, was already in motion when a bit of commotion broke out from behind one of the parties as some security and medical personnel were seen scrambling stretchers to move those who had collapsed for urgent medical attention.

They were rushed to the tents provided at the square for medical personnel where physicians successfully resuscitated them.

It was not clear whether they were able to return to their duty beats for the continuation of their duties.

On arrival, President Muhammadu Buhari inspected the parade immediately and was followed by military/police march past in slow and quick time.

The event also involved combat march display by the Nigerian Army Women Corps as well as the combined silent drill display by the Armed Forces and Police.

It further featured Democracy Day playlet, cultural troupe display, showcasing Nigeria moving forward from the six geo-political zones.

Also on display were the combined band/silent drill display by the armed forces and advance in review order.

President Buhari also signed the anniversary register, followed by the parade commander leading three hearty cheers.

Besides the President, who arrived the Eagle Square around 10:12am, other dignitaries who graced the event were former President Goodluck Jonathan and the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Also in attendance were the Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy SpeakerIdris Wase; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad; and the Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Others were the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; service chiefs, Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, as well as other Nigerians from all walks of life, including students.

Also at the ceremony was a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, who was the running mate to the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Aare M.KO Abiola.

Kingibe was introduced as former Vice President and requested to join in a group photograph with President Buhari, Jonathan, Lawan; Gbajabiamila; Tanko, and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu.

However, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was not at the ceremony, having departed Abuja on Sunday evening, to participate in the annual summit of the Africa CEO Forum in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan.

Also not sighted at the event was the Abiola family, the patriarch of which was the icon of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.

President Buhari was received at venue of the ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, and the State Chief of Protocol, Lawal Kazaure.