As Nigeria marks the first edition of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, all former Nigerian presidents and heads of state were absent at the Eagle Square, venue of the event, despite the fact that they were invited.
According to the programme of event, they were billed to arrive the venue at 9.35am but as at press time, even thereafter, none of the former presidents and ex-heads of state was sighted.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who annulled the June 12, 1993, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and General Yakubu Gowon were not at the venue of the event.
Former head of the Interim government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who took over from President Babangida, was also absent.
No reason was given for their absence.
Present at the celebration apart from some leaders of African countries were the newly elected President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and some members of the 9th National Assembly.
Several state governors, chieftains of All Progressives Congress, politicians from opposition political parties and all service chiefs attended the event.