{"id":8440,"date":"2013-08-16T08:39:46","date_gmt":"2013-08-16T08:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/disnaija.com\/nigerian-newspapers\/abuja-stands-still-as-pro-jonathan-rally-holds-at-eagle-square\/"},"modified":"2013-08-16T08:39:46","modified_gmt":"2013-08-16T08:39:46","slug":"abuja-stands-still-as-pro-jonathan-rally-holds-at-eagle-square","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disnaija.com\/abuja-stands-still-as-pro-jonathan-rally-holds-at-eagle-square\/","title":{"rendered":"Abuja stands still as pro-Jonathan rally holds at Eagle Square"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It was literally hell on earth for residents of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs as the city hosted a rally to celebrate the success of Nigerian women under the President Goodluck Jonathan\u2019s administration, Thursday.<\/p>\n

As early 7.00am, all roads leading to the Eagle Square, venue of the rally had been cordoned-off as security operatives ensured that no, \u201cunauthorized persons,\u201d were allowed access into the venue.<\/p>\n

The strategic location of the Eagle Square, which is by the federal secretariat at the central area of the city made it imperative for people driving into and outside of the city from both ends of the AYA-Nyany- Mararaba end and the Airport road and Kubway ends of the city were affected by the restriction of movement at the venue.<\/p>\n

The implication was that commuters were diverted far away from the venue of the rally, making traffic gridlock all over the city a very harrowing experience.<\/p>\n

The only vehicles that were allowed access near the venue of the rally were hired buses that conveyed women from within and far away the FCT for the rally.<\/p>\n

Even at that, the women had to do very long trekking before they could get to the venue of the rally proper. In fact, for most residents, the day was almost entire waste, particularly for those who businesses require moving about the city as cars were trapped in traffics for hours because of the persisting gridlocks.<\/p>\n

The rally really shut down major parts of Abuja metropolis for several hours and affected free vehicular movements in and within the Central Business District (CBD).<\/p>\n

Before the rally at the Eagles Square proper, there was an early morning rally round the FCT, which was organized by officials of the FCT and took place around Garki, Utako, Wuse and some parts of Asokoro routes.<\/p>\n

During this event, the affected areas were temporarily shut down. Perhaps because of the prevailing security challenges in the country, all those who had anything to do with the rally, were thoroughly frisked by security men before they were allowed entry at the venue of the rally.<\/p>\n

Indeed, by Wednesday the previous day, the entire FCT witnessed the unusual presence of security personnel as major roads were lined Dame Patience Jonathan with both plain-cloth security operatives as well as uniformed ones.<\/p>\n

There were road blocks mounted at both entry and exit points of the city by military personnel to avoid any possible breach of security at the event.<\/p>\n

The rally itself witnessed more than 30,000 pro- Goodluck Jonathan women cutting across diverse socio-economic backgrounds who were there to celebrate the huge successes achieved for Nigerian women under the Jonathan\u2019s administration, particularly with the 35 per cent affirmative action for women, which the administration had exceeded.<\/p>\n

Although the event was organised by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of the Federation, the presence of wives of governors of PDP-led states turned the event into a political rally of some sort in support of President Jonathan\u2019s re-election campaign for 2015.<\/p>\n

The presence of Vice President Namadi Sambo further gave credence to the significance of the rally, strategically geared towards 2015.<\/p>\n

Some PDP governors were also in attendance. First Ladies of South Africa and other African countries were in attendance. Wife of PDP national chairman, Fatima Bamanga Tukur, PDP woman leader, Kema Chikwe, state PDP women leaders, faith-based organisations, different associations of women societies across the federation, among others defiled the early morning rain to attend the rally.<\/p>\n

Some of the inscriptions on the various banners displayed read at the rally added humour to the event. Some of them read, \u201cThank you Mr. President for 35 percent women affirmation\u201d, \u201cThank you Mother of the Nation,\u201d among others.<\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering, Sambo touted the achievements of Jonathan in fulfilling the 35 percent affirmative action for women. \u201cWe\u2019ve actively supported women in politics.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve significantly increased the representation of women in government appointments. We\u2019ve fulfilled the 35 percent affirmative action by appointing women into key government positions. Our SURE-P targets over 500,000 women.<\/p>\n

Very soon, our women will lead the security agencies. The pivotal role of women in politics cannot be ignored,\u201d Sambo boasted.<\/p>\n

In her remarks, wife of the president, Dame Patience Jonathan called on women to contribute their quota in nation building. \u201cWe note that when there is peace, there will be development. We need collective effort to achieve peace. Age shouldn\u2019t be a limitation in bringing peace. \u201cEveryone must join hands with this administration to fulfill this.<\/p>\n

We thank President Jonathan in not only making us heard, but ensuring that women occupy key positions of government. We also thank state governors who\u2019ve ensured that our women are appointed in key positions. Nigerian women must speak with one voice,\u201d First Lady pleaded.<\/p>\n

Patience challenged lawmakers to replicate President Jonathan\u2019s strides by increasing the number of female leaders in both chambers. \u201cI call on our lawmakers to ensure that the 35 percent affirmative action is implemented. We need to empower our women so that they can contribute to nation building,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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Posted in Nigerian Newspapers. <\/a>A DisNaija.Com<\/a> network.<\/p>\n

Source: National Mirror Newspaper<\/p>\n

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