Human rights activist, Mahdi Shehu, has described the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the Independence Day parade as a move that reflects deeper fears and uncertainties in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Shehu said the action might be “a self-preservation or concealment strategy,” stressing that Nigerians cannot always run away from destiny.

“Whichever it may be, man or woman, everyone of us is unavoidably vulnerable. We cannot postpone our destinies, nor avoid all things shaped for us,” he said.

Quoting from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet to emphasize his point, Shehu added: “There is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them how we will.”

He argued that the cancellation could have long-term implications, suggesting that similar decisions might be taken in the coming years.

“Whatever may have informed the silent reasons for the cancellation of the Nigeria at 65 parade will manifest more strongly to justify or compel the cancellation of the at 66 and at 67 parades. The stakes will be much higher and the uncertainties more visible,” Shehu stated.

The Federal Government had on Monday announced the cancellation of the parade, which was scheduled for October 1 in Abuja.

Nigeria at 65: Cancellation of parade sign of deeper fears – Mahdi Shehu