Jonathan forms new Special Force battalion to boost Aso Rock's security

President Goodluck Jonathan has officially consecrated a newly formed 176 Special Force battalion, to join the existing 177 and 7 battalions of the presidential guards brigade.

He performed the ceremony during the presidential change of guards by Guards Brigade to mark Nigeria’s 52nd independence anniversary.

The guards brigade is a special unit of the military that oversees the security of the President and Aso Rock. The ceremony took place at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa.

Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, told State House correspondents that the newly-established 176 battalion was to strengthen the brigade and to make it more effective in response to security challenges in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Obada said the ceremonial presentation of colours to the newly-formed battalion was symbolic and could only be done by the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, also said the ceremony was special and grand in marking the independence of a nation.

Abati said this year’s anniversary, like that of 2011, was low-keyed to save cost and adequately prepare for the big event of 2014 when the nation would mark 100 years of existence from the amalgamation of 1914. 

He debunked claims in certain quarters that the event was moved to the Villa for security reasons.

“The anniversary is also low-keyed this year, taking place within the precincts of the State House. President Jonathan has personally responded to the allegation that the event is being held within the State House by making it clear that in 2014, we will have a big event; the centenary of Nigeria’s celebration, since amalgamation.

“A few years ago, we had the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and that was a big event. The President’s take on this, is that between that 50th year anniversary and the centenary of Nigeria’s amalgamation, we should have low-keyed celebration. Those who are looking for celebration on a grand scale should wait till 2014 when we will have the 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation,” he said.

The 52nd anniversary was marked with a ceremonial change of guards by the outgoing and incoming quarter and guard brigade.

There were also parades and military displays by the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards, inspection of fitness and weapons, a symbolic colour-parade as well as band parade in different military tunes and melody. 

The president was assisted by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, service chiefs and heads of other para-military agencies to release the pigeons, which signified the unfettered peace and harmony of the nation.

President Jonathan also signed the anniversary register and cut an anniversary cake baked in national colours. Present at ceremony were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, his deputy, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, led other justices and heads of court to the event. Also in attendance were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, ministers, presidential aides, members of the Diplomatic Corps, the business community, representatives of religious leaders and traditional rulers.