Jonathan In Oyo, Journalists Barred Heavily Armed Soldiers On Street

President Goodluck Jonathan met one of the most important traditional rulers in Yoruba land, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 of Oyo-State. 

The meeting which is in continuation of his presidential electioneering campaign was reportedly held behind closed-door on Friday in Oyo State. 

Daily Independent reported that shortly before Jonathan entered into a private room with the Oba, he told the people that received him and his entourage in the Oba’s palace that the visit was in fulfilment of his promise to come back during his last visit to Alaafin.

The President pleaded with the Oba to give him support in the coming election and promised to consolidate on his present achievements. 

Responding, briefly, Oba Adeyemi III pleaded with politicians to embrace peace in country, before during and after the election, noting that genuine development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

The traditional ruler later dressed the President in traditional Yoruba aso-oke attire with a matching cap. 

Mr. President arrived the ancient town in a helicopter which landed amidst tight security at St. Bernadines Grammar School.

It was gathered that journalists were barred from coverage by heavily armed soldiers who condoned off the school’s premises as Jonathan was accompanied by top government officials and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Adamu Muazu. 

Jonathan and his entourage were later driven in a motorcade via Owode to the Alaafin palace.Meanwhile, some residents of the state were reportedly angry over the President’s visit due to the siege laid at the ancient town by armed soldiers and policemen ahead Jonathan’s visit.

Some of the residents who spoke to newsmen questioned why the town should be put under siege by security agencies because of the President’s visit.

One of the residents, who gave Waheed Oriola said: “We are not in banana republic where authoritarianism, autocracy and flagrant disregard to human dignity is the order of the day. The blaring of sirens and influx of soldiers has caused a lot of psychological trauma to us, even since Friday evening. Most of us are afraid to go to out for our means of livelihood due to the large presence of the soldiers as if we are at war, this is serious, this is really a show of power intoxication.’’  

Oriola further hinted that: “Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came here to campaign around 9.30 pm and was welcomed with tumultuous crowd at the Alaafin’s palace and without any siege of security.” 

Meanwhile, President Jonathan who had also met with other prominent Yoruba leaders to solicit their votes was asked to put into writing his promise to give key positions in his government to Yoruba if elected.

Recall that the President President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday, February 20, also had a closed-door meeting some traditional rulers in Ogun State.

 

 

Daily Independent