By Cyril Mbah, Abuja
Despite tight security around the Eagle Square venue of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention, petty traders, hawkers of PDP souvenirs and praise singers from several states turned the political gathering into a carnival-like event. The anxious artisans created a chaotic situation and over-stretched the capacity of security personnel deployed to ensure proper maintenance of peace and security at the national convention venue.
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Directives by Convention Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye that persons without proper accreditation tags should not be allowed into the Eagle Square was blatantly disobeyed as supporters of the more than 2,800 delegates forced their way to the square disregarding warnings by policemen and civil defence officials.
Overwhelmed, the exasperated security officials abandoned the gate and sought shelter from the sun inside especially when supporters of Alhaji Sule Lamido danced in large numbers and pressed themselves at the gate demanding free access even as they shouted at the top of their voice in Hausa language: “Nigeria, sai Lamido,” meaning that Sule Lamido is the best president for Nigeria.
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Voting started late in the afternoon after the opening ceremonies which commenced when the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi declared the event open. Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan who sent goodwill messages to members of the Peoples Democratic Party expressed optimism that the convention would produce positive outcomes to help “the party regain its pride of place in the affairs of the nation.” In the message signed by his media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former President also reiterated that he has no preferred candidate, saying that he will work with those that would emerge as new leaders, in the interest of the party and nation.
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