Residents Groan as First Lady's Rally Shuts Down Abuja

First Lady of Nigeria, yesterday, led a peace rally at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Surprisingly however, what was supposed to be a peace rally turned into a political campaign as the women drummed up support for the yet-to-be-declared re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The annoying part for residents was that  all roads from Berger Junction, Central Business Area and the Federal Secretariat complex were blocked for the special rally, which started around 7am at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, as participants marched through designated routes to the Eagle Square, venue of the gathering.

 The rally was tagged  “Celebration of Nigerian women for peace and empowerment”  and was was organised by the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.

As THISDAY reports, the situation was so chaotic that the traffic spilled over to several adjoining roads and  security men frisked commuters and pedestrians to avoid any security breach.
 

Vice-President Namadi Sambo while addressing the gathering, lauded the achievements of Jonathan in fulfilling the 35 per cent affirmative action for women. He said: "We have fulfilled the 35 per cent affirmative action by appointing women into key government positions. Our SURE-P targets over 500,000 women...and very soon, our women will lead the security agencies. The pivotal role of women in politics cannot be ignored."

The first lady, in her address, also called on women to contribute their quota to nation building.