The federal government has announced stringent security measures and restricted movements around Eagle Square, the venue for the upcoming handover and inauguration parade.
The ceremony will mark the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, who are set to assume office on May 29 and commence a new administration.
Ngozi Onwudiwe, a permanent secretary in the office of the head of the civil service, issued a statement outlining the security arrangements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Secretariat Complex Phases I, II, and III will be blockaded by security personnel leading up to the ceremony. The restriction will come into effect at 2 pm on Friday and will remain in place until Tuesday.
“As you may be aware, the presidential transition council (PTC) has unveiled the activities marking the 2023 presidential inauguration ceremony,” the statement explained.
“The inauguration parade and swearing-in of President-Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is the climax of the program, will take place on Monday, 29th May 2023 at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja.
“In line with the security arrangements for the event, the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off by security operatives from 2.00 p.m. on Friday, 26th May 2023, to Monday, 29th May 2023.
“Accordingly, officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed access till Tuesday, 30th May 2023 when work will resume in earnest.”
In recent weeks, various branches of the military have been conducting drills in preparation for the inauguration ceremony. The Department of State Services (DSS) has also alerted the public to the existence of plans by “subversive elements” to disrupt the event.
Meanwhile, the police in the federal capital territory (FCT) has announced traffic diversions to be implemented ahead of the inauguration.
Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, listed the diversion points as Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal, Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Other diversion points are Eagle Square (Phase 1 & Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way/National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo, and Gana Junction/Transcorp,” she stated.
Adeh assured the public that the command had deployed intelligence and tactical assets across the FCT to prevent any potential threats.
The operational deployment includes stop and search duties, intelligence-led raids on black spots, surveillance, and vehicular/foot patrol.
With these comprehensive security measures in place, the federal government aims to ensure a smooth and secure transition of power during the highly anticipated inauguration ceremony.
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