Hundreds of battle ready men of the Nigerian Army in several gun boats were yesterday deployed to the creeks leading to Otuoke, the country home of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to keep the peace and ward off likely attacks from militants.
There had been threats from a militant group to disrupt the burial of the Vice President�s late father, Chief Lawrence Ebele Jonathan who died on December 13 2007. The military deployment complements the security provided by a squad of policemen in armoured personnel carriers patrolling the newly paved roads to the Vice President�s home.
Meanwhile, Pa Jonathan�s remains arrived Otuoke aboard a Nigeria Air Force helicopter with registration number NAF 533, which touched down at exactly 4:34pm.
The remains was received by the Vice-President and Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva with twenty-one gun salute. The remains was thereafter carried in a motorcade accompanied by the Otuoke Council of Chiefs to the premises of the paramount ruler of Otuoke where it laid in state before being taken to the open arena that was specially prepared for it.
As at the time of filing this report, work was still in progress on the mausoleum where the late traditionalist would be buried today. Also, Julius Berger Construction Company was still working on the road that leads to the country home of the Vice-President.
Notable dignitaries who were on ground to receive the remains included former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, Deputy Governor of Imo state, Dr. (Mrs.) Ada Okwudusi, former Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, former Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Barnabas Gemade, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Minister of Special Duties, Elder Godsday Orubebe, among others.
Also on hand was the former Managing Director of the NDDC, Emmanuel Aghariawodo, Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, Prrof. Steve Azaiki. Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia.