Security beefed up in Osogbo for Jonathan’s visit

Security has been beefed up in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ahead of Saturday’s scheduled visit of President Goodluck Jonathan for the mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party to drum up support for its candidate in the August 9 governorship election, Iyiola Omisore. 

Besides hundreds of armed operatives of the Directorate of State Security that have continued patrolling Osogbo and its environs in dozens of vans, an unusual number of mobile policemen were seen in different parts of the state capital on Friday.

Our correspondent also saw several riot policemen stationed in and around the Osogbo City Stadium, the venue of the rally, while the organisers were getting it ready for the event.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folashade Odoro, told The PUNCH that the police had beefed up security across the state, especially in Osogbo.

She said the police had made all necessary arrangements for a “water-tight security in the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order during and after the President’s visit.”

Jonathan is expected to lead a delegation of PDP stalwarts including Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Senate President, David Mark, and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu to the state.

Others, who are expected to be in the President’s entourage, include the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih; Chairman, Mobilisation Committee of the party in the South West, Mr. Buruji Kasamu; and Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose. 

The Publicity Secretary of Osun PDP, Mr. Bola Ajao, who announced the President scheduled visit, said security operatives had already been deployed in the state in preparation for the visit.

“It is normal that security operatives are deployed ahead of time in any state where the President wants to visit,” he said.

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Security beefed up in Osogbo for Jonathan’s visit