May 29: FG plans security lock down, as 50 world leaders visit

With over 50 world leaders expected to grace the inauguration of president Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on May 29, all measures are being put in place to ensure that what happened during the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria when there was a bomb blast near the Eagle Square is avoided.

Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub- Committee of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke, stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Duke said a high security strategy is being put in place for a hitch-free inauguration, and that all invitees for the various segments of the inauguration would be subjected to a thorough screening.

Duke said, “As we speak, the 54 countries of the continent of Africa have been invited. There has been a huge interest, especially from heads of countries in Europe to attend this inauguration.

“At the last count, we have in excess of about 50 heads of state and delegation expected at this inauguration.”

The minister said some roads in the Federal Capital Territory would be blocked on the inauguration day to ensure smooth movements to and from the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration.

He also stated that television screens would be placed in strategic places in the Federal Capital Territory for uninvited people to watch the inauguration.

Duke also denied a report claiming that the inauguration would gulp N3bn. According to him, less than N2bn will be spent for a befitting inauguration.

He said, “If we tell you the amount we are spending, you will be shocked. We are not even spending N3bn, not even up to N2bn. In any case, if we tell you, what are you going to do with it?”

 

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