The Federal Government’s abrupt decision to cancel Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade has triggered widespread criticism and backlash on social media, with many citizens expressing frustration over the administration’s failure to provide a clear and substantive explanation for the move.
The announcement, which was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was met with swift condemnation from Nigerians online. One social media user, Mega Mixer, characterized the official communication as unacceptably vague and insisted that the public deserved to know the rationale behind canceling a significant national event.
“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,” he wrote.
He further warned that canceling the 65th Independence parade without providing any stated justification risked eroding public trust and fueling unnecessary speculation and rumors. According to him, transparency was crucial, and the government should clarify whether the decision was prompted by specific security intelligence, budget constraints, severe weather conditions, an unstated period of national mourning, or a pressing 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, underscoring the legal basis for public accountability.
Other Nigerians on the platform X echoed similar concerns about the lack of clarity. Another user, Iyke, while describing the cancellation as regrettable, urged citizens to shift their focus toward the country’s more profound and systemic challenges.
“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. Citizens must rise above disappointment to hold leaders to higher standards, support genuine reforms, and demand visible progress,” he wrote.
However, other commentators raised sharper and more direct questions regarding accountability. User Ugo Alhassan pointedly asked, “What happens to funds initially budgeted for this event?” while another user, Bwg Gwa, accused the government of evading its responsibility to be transparent.
“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,” he lamented.
Amid the growing public discontent, the Federal Government issued an official statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations, in an attempt to address the situation. The statement insisted that the cancellation “is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary.” It further clarified that all other programmes scheduled for the Independence Anniversary would proceed as planned.
