Nigeria's 6th presidential inauguration kicks off amid tight security

A ceremony to swear in Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) as the president of Nigeria commenced within the Eagle's Square with the capital city Abuja on Sunday morning.

Jonathan, 54, will take the oath of office ahead of Chief Justice Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu amid tight security.

Nnamadi Sambo is also expected to be sworn in as vice president alongside Jonathan.

Jonathan took more than the presidency after his predecessor Umaru Yar A'dua died final year, prior to the presidential election.

Jonathan is often a southerner from the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

A Xinhua reporter in the venue from the occasion witnessed military and police helicopters flying more than the inauguration ground. Chinese Railway Minister Sheng Guangzu is attending the inaugural ceremony because the special envoy of President Hu Jintao.

No less than 12 African heads of state and government are attending the swearing-in ceremony of Jonathan and Nnamadi Sambo as Nigeria's president and vice president.

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