AHEAD of today�s public declaration by Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his 2007 presidential ambition in Abuja, the police have deployed over 2,000 regular, anti-bomb disposal and mobile policemen for security operations.
Sources at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, Abuja, told Saturday Tribune on Friday that several other units had been placed on red alert for quick reinforcement in case of any eventuality.
Saturday Tribune, however, gathered that the police, in anticipation of the large attendance the declaration is likely to attract into Abuja, have reportedly restricted all activities relating to the public declaration of the vice president to its venue, Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
The FCT Police Command sources further revealed that in granting the permission to Vice President Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, it was advised strongly that people and supporters of the vice president should conduct themselves peaceful and a void any act of violence and lawlessness.
When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Mr. Lawrence Alobi, confirmed that the command received an application for permit from the Atiku Campaign Organisation for the public declaration of Vice-President Atiku Abubakar today and that the permission had been so granted.
Mr. Alobi disclosed that in line with the police constitutional role of providing adequate security for lives and properties of law abiding citizens and foreigners alike, the command had fully mobilised its officers and men for the assignment and warned potential trouble makers and criminal minded persons to stay away from Abuja and its environs in their own interest.
The police boss stated that Abuja was for law abiding people and not for criminals, saying that the police would not fold their arms and watch criminals and thugs terrorising innocent citizens.
Meanwhile, the Atiku Campaign Organisation through Mr. Adeolu Akande on Friday, allayed fear over possible disruption of the programme of events, stating that the organisation had secured necessary permit for the formal declaration to hold peacefully.
Meanwhile, Saturday Tribune learnt that about 10 political parties would be present at the venue of the declaration to solidarise with the vice president who had reiterated that he would not declare on the platform of any particular political party.
Indications are rife that since the vice president may not be allowed to push his presidential ambition on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the parties that will be gracing his declaration today will eventuall form a coalition to offer him a veritable platform.
Today�s event is expected to be spiced up by a soothing musical jamboree at the instance of top Fuji musician, Oluaye Wasiu Ayinde, Paul Play Dairo, Funky Mallam and Commander C. O. Okogie, among others.
Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Lam Adesina and others of the Bisi Akande-led faction of the AD will also witness the event.