There was tight security yesterday at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff resumed duties.
Police and the Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps (NCSDC) personnel took position within and outside the secretariat building, while some took positions in adjoining streets.
An operation truck belonging to the NCSDC was used to block the road leading to the main gate of the secretariat, forcing motorists to divert to only one of the dual carriage way in front of the building.
One of the police officers told our correspondent that they were mobilised to provide security at the secretariat since Monday and that they were there to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Sheriff, who arrived the secretariat about mid-day, was accompanied by his appointed Deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; National Auditor, Adewole Adeyanju; Imo Senator, Hope Uzodinma; and a retinue of aides.
He was on hand to receive a group of party women from Imo State who came to pay a solidarity visit.
The women, adorned in attire with Uzodinma’s portrait, chanted praises of Sheriff and Uzodinma throughout their meeting with the party chairman.
Sheriff assured the visiting women of a more organised PDP under his leadership, saying that his mission was to return the party to the grassroots, particularly the women and the youths.
Workers at the secretariat however stayed away, apparently in solidarity with the rival Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee.
