Police deny sealing venue for Kwankwaso’s presidential declaration

Police have denied sealing off Eagle Square, venue of the presidential declaration of Rabiu Kwankwaso, senator representing Kano central.

The allegation was made in a statement signed by Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson of Coalition of United Political parties (CUPP).

The CUPP is a coalition of no less than 38 political parties.

Ugochinyere had said: “The information reaching the secretariat of the CUPP is that the Buhari-led APC federal government working with the police have just sealed the venue of the tomorrow’s scheduled declaration of Rabiu Kwankwaso for president billed to hold at Eagle Square by 10am tomorrow.

“We are calling on the Nigerian media, international community and the general public to stand up against this latest culture of intimidation and impunity. The attempt to block the venue of the declaration billed to hold at Eagle square shall be resisted as the venue was fully paid and approved for the event.

“The constant attack on key opposition leaders and use of state force against opposition aspirants cannot stop us from serving Buhari his well deserved electoral defeat come 2019.”

Meanwhile, Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, told TheCable that the Eagle Square has not been sealed off by security operatives.

He said police officers were merely deployed to the premises like every other public place in the federal capital territory (FCT).

“Police did not seal off any venue. We have deployment to every public place in Abuja,” Moshood said.

“If you go to Unity Fountain, there is police deployment there. The deployment is to ensure security. The Eagle Square is a private enterprise.”

During a visit to the Eagle Square, TheCable counted about seven police officers guarding the premises.