Don’t come in Jonathan tells journalists as Journalists barred from Jonathan’s visit to Awujale

Journalists were on Thursday barred from covering President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Stern-looking soldiers and policemen did not honour newsmen, who identified themselves with their official identification cards.

Jonathan and the Awujale had been in a meeting behind closed doors since he arrived Ijebu Ode at about 11.15am.

Over a dozen of journalists from Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, who had laid siege at the entrance of Awujale’s Palace as early as 10:30am were barred from entering the Palace by hordes of soldiers, operatives of Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dispatched to provide security cover for the President.
President Jonathan was accompanied by Adamu Mu’azu, PDP National Chairman, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state as well as Senator Musiliu Obanikoro among others.
The President was on a visit to the Paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to solicit support from him and other traditional rulers in his domain ahead of the rescheduled March 28 Presidential election.
A military chopper that brought him touched ground at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu – Ode few minutes to 11 am.
He was accompanied to the palace by chieftain of PDP in Ogun state including former governor Gbenga Daniel, the party’s flagbearer, Prince Gboyega Isiaka among others.

Details later…