Olalekan Adetayo, AbujaThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was on Sunday conspicuously absent at the interdenominational church service to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th independence held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. Shortly after Onnoghen read the first lesson, however, the master of ceremony announced that a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd. ), would take the second lesson as a mark of honour for the former military leader. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, attended the service. Dogara attended the previous services which are always attended by top government officials who are Christians.

Source: Punch September 30, 2018 15:20 UTC