Socio-economic activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were grounded Thursday as the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, led some women groups, under the auspices of the Nigerian Council of Women Societies (NCWS), to march for peace.
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 rally, which was tagged: “Celebration of Nigerian women for peace and empowerment,” created serious gridlock as security agents blocked and diverted motorists away from some of the major routes in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
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 traffic snarl occasioned by the blockade of the routes spilled to adjoining streets in the capital city as motorists made detours in a bid to get to their destinations.
Also, other major routes within the capital city witnessed the traffic snarl because of the earlier road show organised by officials of the FCT Administration (FCTA) in Garki, Utako, Wuse and some parts of Asokoro, which worsened the traffic situation in Abuja.
Amid the chaotic traffic, armed soldiers and policemen took their positions at strategic road intersections, frisking commuters and pedestrians to prevent any security breach.
To complement the activities of the ground troops, military helicopters hovered over the venue of the rally; and sometimes, made displays to add colour to the rally.
Although the rally was organised by the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, the presence of wives of governors of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states, who led delegations of women from their states and the display of slogan-bearing placards in support of Jonathan, led credence to the speculation that the occasion was more of a campaign rally to drum support for the president’s 2015 ambition.
Campaign posters of the president were pasted on each truck used by the women and some men.
Some of the inscriptions on the various banners displayed at the rally read: "Thank you Mr President for 35 per cent women affirmation" and "Thank you Mother of the Nation."
The event was attended by the wife of PDP National Chairman, Hajia Fatima Tukur, former PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, state PDP women leaders, faith-based organisations and associations of women societies across the federation.
In addition, some PDP governors, first ladies of South Africa and other African countries were also in attendance.
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 actively supported women in politics. We have significantly increased the representation of women in government appointments. 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, called on women to contribute their quota to nation building.
She said: "We note that when there is peace, there will be development. We need collective effort to achieve peace. Age should not be a limitation in bringing peace .
"Everyone must join hands with this administration to fulfil this. We thank President Jonathan in not only making us to be heard, but ensuring that women occupy key positions in government.
"We also thank state governors who have ensured that our women are appointed to key positions. Nigerian women must speak with one voice."
She challenged the leadership of the National Assembly to emulate the president by increasing the number of female leaders in both chambers.
"I call on our lawmakers to ensure that the 35 per cent affirmative action is implemented. We need to empower our women so that they can contribute to nation building," she added.
Sambo’s wife, Amina, also praised Nigerian women for their contributions to national development over the years.
She praised Jonathan and his wife for their commitment towards women development and empowerment.
Mrs. Sambo stressed that the Jonathan administration had shown considerable confidence in the abilities of women to lift up Nigeria and appealed to women to work for peace, emphasising that without peace, development would be difficult to achieve.
The event was rounded off later in the day with dinner at the International Conference Centre (ICC) where artistes such as Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Ayefele, Iyanya, Sani Danja and some Nigerian comedians entertained guests.
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