Jonathan declares
ALL is now set for today’s formal declaration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, of President Goodluck Jonathan, to contest next year’s presidential election.
The Presidential Campaign Committee (PDC) was involved in last minute activities to ensure a seamless ceremony, where the president hopes to begin the process of renewing his mandate for another four years.
The Eagle Square is now wearing a new look, with workmen busy as of Monday afternoon, completing the installation of necessary devices for use at the event.
As part of security measures, the Eagle Square’s perimeter fencing has been raised, with new barbed wire mounted to deter hoodlums, who may want to breach security.
National flag and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also been mounted in large numbers to complement the decoration at the venue, which had been filled up with canopies provided for people, who may not be able to find spaces at the permanent stands.
Chairman of the media sub-committee of the PDC, Senator Aniete Okon, had said on Sunday evening, that the president would use the occasion to launch his new battle cry, “Nigerians First, Nigerians Always,” that he hopes to use to convince the people, as he bids to win a second tenure in office.
He said over 2,000 groups, civil society organisations, supporters and admirers from all over the country were expected to participate.
“We will use this opportunity to declare the main message of this event, which will form the compelling force for the drive towards meeting the expectations of Nigerians of all segments of our society,” Okon had said.
Meanwhile, the PDP has described today’s declaration by Jonathan as “an immeasurable boost on the collective aspiration of millions of members of the party for the greatness of Nigeria through the continuity of the quiet and all-sector transformation of the nation.”
The party said in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Monday, that “the champion, the best of them all is on the stage,” inviting the opposition to a free, fair and non-violent contest.
It said the unanimous endorsement of the president for a second term by the party, “a decision anchored firmly on the overriding necessity for an unmitigated protection of the national interest against the backdrop of sectional and selfish machinations squirming from the ranks of opposition, is a case for a total support from all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.”
In a related development, members of the public have been asked to stay clear of the Eagle Square, Abuja, today, following the formal declaration of President Jonathan’s second term bid.
As a result of this, members of the public are advised to use alternative routes, as vehicular traffic will be diverted from most of the roads leading to and fro Eagle Square Central Business District, Abuja, between 5.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m.
Nigerian Police’s spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the Force regrets any inconvenience the diversion of vehicular movements within the area might cause members of the public.
He said this was one of the proactive security measures put in place to avoid breakdown of law and order in the area and Abuja at large.
Source: TRIBUNE
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