Tight security as APC holds National Convention in Abuja

Security was tight on Saturday in and around the Eagle Square, Abuja, as the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gets underway. 
At least, 7,000 delegates from all over the country are expected to gather at the venue to ratify the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flagbearer for next year’s presidential election. 
All roads leading to the venue have been shut to vehicular traffic by combined teams of heavily armed security personnel. 

The agencies involved include the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. 
Safety and emergency services such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the FCT Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and the Federal and FCT Fire Services are also taking part in the exercise. 
Traffic is being diverted at major intersections several metres away from the venue on both sides of the Ahmadu Bello and Shehu Shagari Ways, and adjoining routes leading to the Eagle Square. 
Inside the Eagle Square venue, organisers were seen putting finishing touches to decorations on canopies and chairs prepared for delegates.
Meanwhile, hawkers and other traders have taken over the Federal Secretariat car park behind the square and roadsides outside the security perimeter around the venue, displaying their wares for customers.
Some of the traders said they arrived at the venue on Friday.
Mrs Aisha Idris, who sells clothing materials, said she came from Kaduna to transact her business.
“I came to Abuja yesterday because I live in Kaduna with my family and I see the convention as an opportunity to sell my goods to the delegates and any other interested buyer,” Idris said.
She, however, complained that the sales had not been encouraging.
The story was, however, different with Mr Chinedu Eze who sells shoes and sandals.
Eze said he came to the venue since Friday but thanked God for his sales, so far.
“I came from Lafia, Nasarawa State, and I sell shoes with prices ranging from N1, 500, N2, 000, and above. And I thank God that I have been able to make some sales,” he said.
A food vendor, Miss Doris Akpan, was also happy that the convention was holding.
Akpan, who sells rice, beans and other delicacies, said she was almost through with the sales.
“I came from Suleja, Niger, as early as 6:45 a.m. and I thank God that my food remains just little to finish,” she said.
The story is the same with Mohammed Salihu who hawks phone accessories but lives at Nyanya.
He said he was able to make use of the convention to make a brisk business.