Ahead of the May 29 inauguration of the new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies have begun rehearsal at the Eagle Square, venue of the event.
It was gathered that soldiers deployed for the expected colour parade have been rehearsing for over one week.
This was the pattern of preparations ahead of inauguration ceremonies in 2019.
Though the venue will be flooded with soldiers, no route diversion has been made.
However, in a memo, the Presidential Transition Council has directed security agencies to cordon off all areas close to the Eagle Square from 2pm on Friday, May 26 to Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
Part of the memo signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe , the permanent secretary, Service Welfare Office for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reads: “As you may be aware, the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has unveiled the activities marking the 2023 presidential inauguration ceremony. The inauguration parade and swearing-in of the president-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is the climax of the programme will take place on Monday, 29th May, 2023 at the Eagle Square.
“In line with the security arrangements for the event. The Federal Secretariat complexes Phases l, Il, IIl and ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off by security operatives from 2.00pm 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.”
Meanwhile, the Military High Command, has reiterated that there is no threat to the May 29 handover and warned mischief makers.
The director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, while briefing journalists in Abuja said, “Agitation will come, agitation will go. Like I told you there is a transition committee which has been put in place and the members of the transition committee which includes members of the armed Forces and other security agencies are working round the clock to make sure everything goes successful”.
