Boko Haram: FG Orders Closure Of Federal Secretariat Wednesday As Nigeria Marks Independence

In what could be a preventive measure to avert calamity, the federal government has ordered that all three phases of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, be closed from 2pm on Wednesday, September 30, ahead of the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th anniversary of independence.

THE WHISTLER recalls that there had been apprehension among residents of Abuja after an internal memo by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) suggested that Boko Haram insurgents were planning massive attacks on the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

The report gained credence after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) issued a statement to assure Abuja residents of their safety against the planned Boko Haram attacks.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, in a letter addressed to all Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Ministries, Department and Agencies, directed that all three phases of the Federal Secretariat located in Abuja should be closed from 2pm tomorrow.

In the letter seen by THE WHISTLER and dated September 29, Yemi-Esan said the closure was for “security purposes” as “one of the major activities marking the celebration of the 60th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria is taking place in the Eagle Square on 1st October, 2020.”

The Head of Service added that, “Consequently, the Federal Secretariat, Phases 1-3, would be closed be required to close for official business with effect from 2.00pm on Wednesday, 30th September, 2020. For security purposes, workers are therefore, expected to vacate the complexes on or before 2.00pm on the day.”

Although the federal government had previously said Nigeria’s 60th anniversary celebration would be done low-key, it has lined up different activities for the country’s diamond jubilee celebration.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, announced last week Thursday in Abuja that COVID-19 safety protocols may also affect the size of the celebration.

He had said, “I will now give you the list of the activities slated to start this week and extend till next week: Public Lecture, Date: Friday September 25th 2020, Venue: National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja National Mosque, Time: 10.00am. Special Jumat Prayers Date: Friday September 25th 2020, Venue: National Mosque, Abuja, Time: 1pm. Inter-denominational Church Service, Date: Sunday, September 27th 2020, Venue: National Christian Centre, Abuja, Time: 3pm, as members of the public can join the church service virtually by logging on to the Youtube Channel of the OSGF at OFFICIAL OSGFNG.

“Launch of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy as well as Integrity Award by Mr. President to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ICPC, Date: Monday September 28th 2020, Venue: State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Time: 10.00am. Historical Exhibition, Date: Monday, September 28th 2020, Venue: National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja. Time: 3pm. Presidential Broadcast, Date: Thursday, October 1st 2020, Venue: From the Eagle Square. Guard of Honour/Anniversary Parade, Date: Thursday, October 1st 2020, Venue: Eagle Square, Abuja. Time: 10am, also note that these events are strictly by invitation, and that all COVID-19 protocols will be observed at the various venues”.

THE WHISTLR reported earlier that President Muhammadu Buhari had unveiled the “Nigeria at 60” logo last week in Abuja.

The logo, which was unveiled during last week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, will be used in the celebration of the country’s 60th anniversary.