PDP Convention: IG vows to give tight security, orders trespassers to keep off

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has assured Nigerians, including participants of the forth-coming National Convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the general public, that the Nigeria Police Force will provide a water-tight security for the conduct of the National Convention of the PDP scheduled for August, 31, 2013, at the Eagle Square, Central Area, Abuja. He also ordered those not part of the convention, should keep off, or face dire consequences.

Abubakar had therefore, issued an Operational Order directing the Commissioner of Police, FCT., Mr. Femi Ogunbayode, to ensure a tactical and well coordinated deployment of personnel and other operational equipment in order to provide a safe and conducive atmosphere for the convention.

Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the IG directed deployment of personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorist Unit (CTU), Anti-Bomb Squad and the Police Air Wing for aerial patrol. In addition, personnel of the Canine section and special operatives of the FIB are to be deployed for the operation. The AIG Zone 7 has been directed to personally take charge of the entire operation, to guarantee a seamless command and control of the exercise.

Mba said: “Motorists are hereby informed that all routes leading to Eagle Square, venue of the Convention will be barricaded and traffic diverted with effect from 4.00pm on Friday, 30^th August, 2013, on the following routes:  Ahmed Bello Way Fly-over,  Benue Plaza Road, Ministry of Finance junction,  Bullet junction, Bayelsa House junction and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fly-over. 

“In view of this development, all commuters, motorists and the general public are strongly advised to utilize alternate routes, during the duration of the Convention. Affected routes will be re-opened to traffic and the public as soon as the Convention activities are over.

“It is the further advice of the IGP that persons who are not part of the Convention should in the interest of public safety, avoid the venue of the Convention, as Police operatives have been instructed to restrain all intruders or trespassers, irrespective of status or placement.

“The IGP strongly solicits the understanding and cooperation of the general public in assisting the Police and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, safe and secure Convention, as part of conscious efforts by all citizens to nurture our democracy and national growth.”