Jonathan Arrives Lagos Amid Tight Security
LAGOS, August 26, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Jonathan today arrived at the presidential wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos amid tight security, a situation which resulted in a serious traffic jam.
As early as 6 a.m., security officers had established strong presence at the presidential lounge, effectively screening persons entering the premises.
Shortly after, Lagos residents trooped into the premises where a combined team of regular and mobile policemen had a hectic time controlling the crowd made up mostly of politicians who came in hired high capacity buses.
Members and chieftains of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State comprising women and youths came out en mass to welcome President Jonathan.
Before his arrival, a portion of Airport road close to the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport was barricaded by security operatives, leaving motorists stranded for several minutes.
But President Jonathan arrived at about 10.20am aboard a Nigerian Air Force aircraft with registration number 5N-FGT 001 and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) welcomed him.
Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhjai Yayale Ahmed, and top PDP chieftains in the state were at the airport receive the president.
At the lounge were Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, Chairman of Lagos State PDP, Mr. Setonji Koshoedo, his Publicity Secretary, Dr. Wale Ahmed and other party faithfuls.
Jonathan was in a dark brown caftan and a bowler hat. He gave a victory sign with his fingers while he made his way down the aircraft.
Immediately he stepped down, President Goodluck Jonathan walked briskly on the red carpet to acknowledge cheers from the crowd and perhaps listen to praise songs rendered by Weird MC.
The ceremony lasted for about 10 minutes. At about 10.30 a.m., Jonathan left in a long convoy, though his reception was almost disrupted as persons, most of whom were PDP members, engaged in a free for all while President Jonathan’s branded umbrellas were being distributed. Security men however were able to restore sanity to the area.