JUST IN: Group defies army, embarks on solidarity march to Presidential Villa (photos)
– Despite statement by the Nigerian army, a group embarked on solidarity march to the presidential Villa today
– Leader of the group noted that the march was to show support and appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the chief of army staff
– Armed policemen however prevented them from entering the Villa
Members of the group with eulogizing words on their banner
Despite statement by the Nigerian army disassociating itself from planned solidarity rallies or celebrations over the routing out and decimation of Boko Haram terrorists, the North East Coalition Against Terrorism (NECAT) today, April 21 embarked on a peaceful march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The march which kicked off from the busy federal secretariat by 12noon had young Nigerians in different groups dressed in customized white shirts, caps and black trousers.
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Chanting solidarity songs, along major streets of the federal capital territory, the protesters were however intercepted at the first gate to the Villa by men of the Nigeria police.
Alhaji Babangida Haliru, the president general of the group told NAIJ.com that match was to show their appreciation and support to President Muhammadu Buhari and officers of the Nigerian army.
“We are here in numbers to show our appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and the chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai, and the Nigerian soldiers at large.
“This is not a protest or agitation. It is just a group of like-mind Nigerians who have come to appreciate the efforts of the president and the army, airforce, police and the others,” he said.
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When NAIJ.com correspondent questioned the reason for the match despite warning by the army, he said: “We am Nigerians and we are entitled to our own opinion. That is the beauty of democracy. General Buratai is entitled to whatsoever he wants to say.
“I have been witnessing recent happenings in the country and I have the right to come and appreciate them, Buratai in particular whether he accepts it or not,” Haliru added.
See photos below:
Alhaji Babangida Haliru, president general of NECAT while speaking with NAIJ.com
Meanwhile two female suicide bombers killed at least eight people and left many wounded at a camp for people displaced by Boko Haram in Borno state.
The twin-suicide bombings reportedly occurred around 8am on today in the remote town of Banki, which borders Cameroon.
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