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Residents of the Federal Capital Territory,
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, yesterday endured a harrowing day with long hours wasted in gridlocks that virtually paralaysed economic activities and government businesses, as President Goodluck Jonathan decalred his intention to contest the 2015 presidential elections.
A massive security lockdown, pre-announced, saw roads within a five kilometre radius of the Eagle’s Square closed to vehicular traffic with the spillover effect felt as far away as the Airport Road and other major highways leading into the city.
Security personnel diverted motorists from the venue of the declaration, even as residents of Mararaba in Nasarawa State and its environs as well as Karu and Nyanya suburbs of the FCT were the most affected.
Many residents could not get to work or their places of business for most of the day as people trekked long distances to their destinations.
Some commuters, who spoke to our correspondent expressed frustration and counted their losses caused by the gridlock.
A businessman Mr. Afolabi Jamiu criticised the action, saying that “the fact that Jonathan is declaring shouldn’t mean that all roads should be blocked.
“I don’t feel good about it. Even before now they blocked everywhere, causing holdup and making life unbearable by diverting cars to a single lane which is risky.
“I feel declaring his intentions should have been done at the weekend, while people are at home, that would have been better for everybody.”
A food vendor, Mrs. Margret Akpan, whose shop is located in the Central Business District, faulted the grounding of her business.
A frustrated Akpan, who counted her losses, said the action prevented her from making sales as her customers could not gain access to her business premises.
“I am at a loss on what to do with all the food I prepared to sell today, as I cannot have access to my shop,” she said. Umaru Angulu, a petty trader in the motor park located at the Federal Secretariat, said he got his livelihood from day-to-day sales in the area and lamented the disruption to his business. A commuter, Mr. Abu Zango, said he spent more than two hours waiting to catch a taxi from Area 8 in Garki to his destination. “I think that most of the taxi drivers decided not to come out because of the blocked roads and the few operating have restricted their movement to some places,” he said.
A taxi driver, Chijoke Madu, said he decided to take advantage of the situation by increasing charges, adding that the increase was for yesterday only. Civil servants in the Federal Secretariat also stayed home as access to their offices were blocked.
President Jonathan, during his formal declaration said there was more work left for him to be done in the years ahead. Speaking at the Eagle’s Square, Jonathan explained that he has kept faith with the pact he made with Nigerians when he assumed the Presidential seat about four years ago.
In declaring intention to run, he said “After seeking the face of God and consulting my family and to the call of all people nationwide to run, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, have accepted to present myself to run.
“In taking this decision today, I promise that we cannot go back to the era where our terminal buildings were an eye sore, importing food, where women were deprived from holding sensitive position. I promise to work with you, I see a different Nigeria that will take us to outer space.
“I see a Nigeria that you can hold any office not based on ethnicity, I see a Nigeria that our young men and women will have work to do.”
He stated that his administration has recorded achievements in the area of power, rail transportation, housing, and other areas of the economy.
Jonathan also said that the country would soon overcome the present security challenge, stressing that all hands must be on deck to defeat the violent and deadly Boko Haram sect.
He promised to continue with the battle against corruption in the country, saying that graft has affected national development.
He stated that he had already directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to ensure that those found to have engaged in corrupt activities are brought to justice.
Vice President Namadi Sambo in his remarks described Jonathan as a blessing to Nigeria saying that he is a great boss who had led the country to the path of progress and development.
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of other governors elected on the platform of the party, said all the PDP governors resolved not to contest against Jonathan because of the achievements recorded in the last four years.
According to him, with the achievements recorded in the first term of Jonathan’s administration, the PDP would capture about 30 states in 2015.
He commended the transformation agenda of the administration in the area of power, agriculture, rail, housing and the economy Akpabio stated that victory is assured for Jonathan and the PDP in the 2015 election.
Senate President, Senator David Mark, who spoke on behalf of PDP members of the National Assembly, said Jonathan has proved to be a trusted leader.
“You have proved to be a leader that can be trusted; you have been a great inspiration to youths and a reliable leader. We support you and you have laid solid foundation for the development of the country,” Mark said.
Those who also spoke in support of the declaration include former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Barafawa (North West), former Senate President, Ken Nnamani (South East), Chief Bode George (South West) and Peter Odili (South South).
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