Boko Haram: Jonathan Shuts Down Abuja For World Economic Summit

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the closure of all schools and government offices in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja ahead of the World Economic Forum, WEF, as a result of frightening insecurity in the capital.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan

A statement issued by Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday said the president has approved the closure of all government offices and schools in Abuja between 7 and 9 May for the forum to hold.

According to the statement, “President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved, as part of arrangements for the successful hosting of the World Economic Forum Africa that all government offices and schools in the Federal Capital Territory, except those on essential services, are to be closed from Wednesday, 7th to Friday, 9th May, 2014.

“Private Organisations with large number of staff may also wish to close down. This is to ease the flow of traffic within the city and enable participants carry out their assigned roles and participate actively at the World Economic Forum Africa.”

A regional replica of the Davos, Switzerland event, the conference will bring together international leaders, policy-makers, entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

The closure of government offices and schools might not be unconnected with series of deadly bombing at Nyanya, Abuja. About 19 people were killed and 66 injured in May Day car bombing in Abuja suspected to have been carried out by the dreaded Islamic terrorists, Boko Haram.