Tinubu’s Actions Signal A Colonial-Era Comeback As He Scraps Key National Traditions

The Tinubu regime has cancelled the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Anniversary of Independence on Wednesday, October 1. This is the second time the regime has cancelled traditions celebrating statehood and democracy.

Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, announced this in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the cancellation is in no way a “diminishment” of the significance of the milestone anniversary, noting that the regime remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm.

The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in making Nigeria a greater nation,” the statement said.

However, the regime stated that other programmes slated for the independence celebration will still proceed, but added that “the Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.”

It will be recalled that a similar national ritual was cancelled. In June, Tinubu cancelled the customary nationwide television broadcast for Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day celebration and instead delivered his address directly to Parliament. Other activities marking the day were also trimmed.

The regime also cancelled the traditional military parade initially scheduled to mark the celebration of June 12, 2025. Officials sent a notice to journalists announcing this decision, but provided no official explanation for scrapping the parade.

During the President’s appearance at the national assembly, which was meant to be a national function, it was transformed into a rally as national assembly members hailed him while chanting “on your mandate we shall stand” in the Senate chambers.

Also, earlier, in May 2024, Tinubu approved the controversial reversion of Nigeria’s national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to the colonial-era anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The anthem change, rushed through Parliament and signed into law on May 29, was widely criticised for lacking public consultation and for reviving lyrics seen by some as outdated, divisive and a move to please the West.

Citizens have since criticised the cancellation, stating that the APC administration has nothing to offer or celebrate. “Because Tinubu’s APC government has nothing to offer or say, there’s nothing to celebrate. And what is independent if the citizens are being treated like slaves in their own country by their wicked, kleptocrat leaders?” @monnyx49 posted on X.

Another X user said, “Do we really have a government? The only thing there is to celebrate is the continuous massacre of Nigerians by Islamists and criminal gangs.”

The Tinubu regime is notorious for avoiding engagements with citizens at critical times, but is quick to implement policies that brazenly plunge citizens further into poverty and retrogression. These policies, such as the new Tax Bill and a 10-year ban on creating new universities, are being pushed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because the regime lacks foresight and the ability to act as a sovereign government.

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Kangmwa Gofwen

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