The funeral programme of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has turned political jamboree in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where the Church service is taking place at COCIN Headquarters.
This is in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s expected attendance at the Church service.
The situation has led to traffic restrictions due to political procession on the streets.
Earlier, the Plateau State Government had announced traffic diversions in Jos and Bukuru ahead of the President’s visit for the burial.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, in a statement on Friday, said the diversion was to allow smooth movement of the presidential convoy.
Party differences have also collapsed as supporters of both APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are having fanfare side by side, carrying banners with different inscriptions.
Women groups, youth groups and other party faithful are seen wearing party T-shirts, face caps, among others, and the Boys’ Brigade is also on hand with a street march backed by the band section.
At the church, the security is tight, with attendees required to show special passes earlier distributed to gain entry.
Some pastors were turned back at the door, with a few seen scuffling with security personnel.
Meanwhile, a throng of guests has already gathered at the Jos International Airport in Heipang to welcome President Tinubu, who is expected to touch down from Lagos.