Inauguration: Police to cordon off Eagle square for three days

The Police and other security agencies will restrict movements to and within areas close to the Eagle Square, venue of Sunday’s presidential inauguration in Abuja, for three days.

A top police source, who made this known on Wednesday, explained that “a two-kilometre radius off-limit to the square” must be observed by both human beings and vehicles.


The restrictions which begin on Friday (tomorrow) is part of the security measures planned by the Federal Government to

ensure that lives and properties are protected during the inauguration that might be attended by 40 foreign heads of state and governments.

Many lives were lost on October 1, 2010 when bombs exploded near the Square during Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Our source, who did not want his name in print, added that the restrictions of movement would prevent those whose offices are near the square from going to work on Friday.

He said, “Security personnel will enforce the two-kilometre radius off-limit to the Eagle Square. This means that workers will not be allowed into their offices. It is a strict security directive that would be enforced from Friday.”

Among those to be affected are civil servants whose offices are in the Federal Secretariat which is less than two kilometres to the Square.

On Wednesday, people were not allowed into the main bowl of the square, where one of our correspondents observed some military personnel and pupils rehearsing for the event which will gulp about N1bn.

When contacted, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olusola Amore, described the restriction as a ‘security issue’ that he couldn’t comment on.

“It is a serious security issue and I can’t speak on it; you are asking questions on a serious security issue,” he said just as the Federal Government released the protocol/ administrative guidelines for visiting Heads of State and Governments that would be attending the innauguration.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps has already deployed 20,000 personnel and 300 security dogs in Abuja for the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin, at an event to showcase the corps’ mobilisation for the ceremony, warned that vandalism and terrorism would not be tolerated by the corps.

He added that the 300 dogs would sniff for weapons and other harmful devices such as bombs that might be planted by mischief makers to cause havoc.

Abolurin said the security outfit was collaborating with other security agencies, including the police and the military to ensure a crime-free inauguration.

“All units are fully ready. We have purchased new vehicles to be deployed for first aid and other natural emergencies,’’ he added.

Also in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Umohuibi, advised Heads of State and Governments to arrive Nigeria on Saturday through any of the follwing airports — the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos and the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano.

He added that those arriving in private aircraft would be moved from the tarmac to their motocades through a silent Guard of Honour.

Umohuibi also said, “All visitors apart from ECOWAS members must hold valid passports that are not less than three months from expiry dates.

“They should also obtain entry visas at the Nigerian missions in their country of residence before embarking on the trip. All aircraft must obtain flight clearance prior to their departure to Nigeria.”

On accommodation, the Permanent Secretary said, “A delegation led by a Head of State or Government/ Vice- President or Prime Minister shall be provided with one presidential suite and three standard rooms.

“A delegation led by a minister or any other dignitory shall be provided with one ambassadorial suite and one standard room.”

He added that medical emergencies would be handled by a dedicated team of professionals stationed at different locations before, during and immediately after the event.

On security, he said each delegation would be allowed to bring into the country, a maximum of five firearms. Such weapons, according to him, will require clearance prior to their being brought to Nigeria.

“`For the smooth facilitation of the entry of security personnel, lists of security officers accompanying Heads of State and Governments should be communicated to the protocol department of the ministry,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, 11 Nigerian artistes are to entertain spectators at the presidential inauguration football match, scheduled for Saturday.

The Chairman of the Sports Sub-committee of the Ceremony’s Committee, Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi, listed Daddy Showkey, Sani Danja, Harry Song and Sammie Okposo as some of the artistes.

The other artistes are Jodie, Essence, Anny, Zdon, Mc Abbey, Dx Generation and DJ Bammy.

The the football match which will take place at the Abuja National Stadium, Abuja from 6 pm will involve Enyimba International and Kano Pillars.

Olasunkanmi, a pre-event news conference to disclose preparations for the match, said that the artistes would be involved in a live musical performance beginning from 3 pm.

He said all logistics and technical preparations for the match had been concluded for a smooth event organisation and execution, with Jonathan scheduled to take the ceremonial kick-off at 6 pm.

The minister disclosed that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure a hitch-free occasion for all dignitaries, guests, players, spectators and other participants.

He said, “While the gates will be open to all interested spectators to watch the match, there will be a retinue of eagle-eyed security operatives to ensure law and order.

“They will also be there for the protection of spectators as well as facilities within and around the stadium.’’

Olasunkanmi advised spectators not to go to the stadium with any metal instrument as there would be full body checks before entry on the match day.

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