Democracy Day: Slumping three soldiers cause stir at Pres. Buhari’s parade in Abuja

Apparently succumbing to  exhaustion, three soldiers slumped on Monday at the Eagles Square, venue of the military parade to mark June 12 Democracy Day.

The parade was attended by President Mohammadu Buhari and members of the Federal Executive Council.

The three soldiers, who were participating in the parade, slumped having stood for hours on one spot under the scorching sun.

Persecondnews reports that there was confusion at the scene but medical personnel quickly rushed to the parade ground with stretchers and whisked the collapsed officers to the medical shed close to where president Buhari was seated.

The ceremony, however, commenced soon after the officers regained their consciousness.

The ceremony featured performances by the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police.

Buhari, who was the Special Guest of Honour, inspected the guards, and was followed by a military/police march past in slow and quick time.

The Nigerian Army Female Corps also performed a combat display followed by traditional dance performance from various ethnic groups.

Also in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, who was running mate to late Chief MKO Abiola, who won the June 12 Presidential Election.

Kingibe was addressed at the occasion as former Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the recognition of Chief MKO Abiola as winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election that was annulled by the then military junta of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Others at the occasion include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and former cabinet members in the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration.