Tight Security

By Henry Umoru
THERE was very tight security during the Special National convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP held on Thursday at Eagle Square, Abuja. Entry to  the venue was difficult as delegates, party men, journalists, observers and others went through security checks . There were five security check points located within the Eagle Square besides the ones on the roads leading to the Federal Secretariat.

Everyone that had business to do at the Venue went through three dimensional search process. The first was the bomb scan, then the security scan and the body search. The last was having to go through the scanning machine. The security check was so tough and comprehensive that the only thing left for them was to ask the people to remove their trousers.

All roads were blocked

All major roads from the central district area of the territory were blocked.

There were police check points in places like Mohammed Buhari Way, just as the road from the airport to Area one was not left out as motorists were stopped by the police. The roads were manned by men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Police, Army, VIO, just as there were sniffer dogs brought in by the security agencies.

Against the backdrop of October 1, 2010 bomb explosions in Abuja, roads like Shehu Shagari way, Ahmadu Bello were blocked as no one was allowed to park around there.People were forced to trek from Ministry of Finance and National Mosque, about  two kilometres to Eagle Square  venue of the event.

Food, water Vendors, hawkers of various kinds suffered a dull day

Food, water vendors that hitherto storm venue of past national conventions were not allowed in front of the Bullet House as well as in and around Eagle Square.  The same thing happened to those who had prepared tee-shirts, caps, key holders and other souvenirs for sale. They were shut out and they could not engage in their businesses.

Praise Singers, drummers too

Praise singers and drummers who used to entertain delegates, audience and even accompany senior party men, dignitaries to venue of past conventions and add fun to conventions were not seen as they could not have assess to the place. They were kept away from the venue. Infact, there was no business for them.

Not business as usual for pickpockets

With the security arrangement put in place by the Police , it was very difficult for pickpockets to operate. Missing envelope with money was picked by a staff of the Civil Defence corps and this was announced severally, just as a missing handset was also announced.

Late start of Convention

As at 1.55pm, delegates from the states and even the special guests were yet to arrive as seats arranged for them were empty.

The event which was slated for take off at 10.00 am according to the programme did not take off as scheduled. Guests were only entertained by hired musicians as well as the Police band.Of the three Presidential aspirants, only Mrs Sarah Jibril arrived at 11.58am, followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who came to the venue 4.15pm, Vice President Namadi Sambo arrived with his wife, 5.13pm and finally President Goodluck Jonathan 5.30pm and the National Anthem was sang 5.34.

Obasanjo whispered to Jonathan

Soon after Atiku Abubakar addressed delegates and expressed his disappointment on the amnesty programme of the Federal government which he said the President was not handling well, former President Olusegun Obasanjo immediately whispered something to ears of President Jonathan.

Sarah Jibril full of life after her presentation

After her presentation, one of the Presidential aspirants, Mrs Sarah Jibril who got one vote was seen jubilating and full of life.

Obasanjo raised his two fingers up after voting

After casting his vote, former President Olusegun Obasanjo raised up his two fingers, symbolizing victory for his camp.

Colourful appearance of delegates

Delegates from some states like Akwaibom, Cross River, Anambra, others wore same clothes, called Ashobi.

State by state voting

The state by State voting was used and it made it difficult for the governors to betray the president following an agreement reached, rub my back, I rub your own.

Obasanjo, Jonathan went to shake hands with Atiku

After the announcement of results, Obasanjo and President Jonathan went to shake hands with Atiku Abubakar when they discovered that he did not go to Jonathan and greet or congratulate him when Mrs Sarah Jibril had done that.