Security measures have been heightened in and around the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. This is to invigorate and fortify efforts by all stake holders to make the inauguration of President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari hitch free.
Abuja normally has been very tight, security-wise, due to the Boko Haram threat. However, this tight security is for a totally different reason and ceremony -- guaranteeing a proper transition of government before and after May 29.
About 50 heads of states from across the world have been scheduled to grace the inauguration event of the president-elect.
The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee, and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke confirmed this to journalists on preparations for the one week programme, which started last Friday with Jumaat prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja.
He said: “As we speak, the 54 countries of the continent of Africa have been invited. Very many of the heads of state will be coming.
“There has been a huge interest, especially, from heads of countries in Europe to attend this inauguration and at the last count, I think we must have in excess of about 50 heads of state and delegations expected at this inauguration.”
The United States of America will also be well represented as President Barack Obama on the 18th of May announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Nigeria to attend the Inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari.
The Honorable John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, will lead the delegation to Nigeria.
However moving around the city centre, many military flash-points have now resurfaced checking and screening motorists as well as pedestrians.
Speaking further, the minister stressed that a high security strategy was being put in place for a hitch-free inauguration, adding that all invitees for the various segments of the inauguration would be subjected to thorough screening.
“Arrangements are being made to screen all the invitees long before the access the perimeters of the location,”.
Also as expected, some roads would be blocked especially around the central area where the Eagle Square venue of the inauguration is located.
Abuja residents are advised to take alternative routes.