ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Presidency has given Saturday deadline to construction giant, Julius Berger Plc, to complete the ongoing renovation of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to enable President Muhammadu Buhari move in.
The president has continued to use Defence House, Maitama, as his office, while returning to his private residence in Asokoro, to sleep each day at the close of work.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that Buhari, who had used Defence House since he was declared the president-elect, was no longer comfortable with the arrangement, given the space and security limitations it offers.
The construction company, which is the maintenance retainer company for State House, commenced the renovation work at both the president’s official residence and office since former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat.
Jonathan and his family had immediately moved out of his official residence and relocated to Glass House, another mansion within the premises, to enable the company to complete the renovation in time for Buhari to take over after his inauguration.
Up till now, the work is yet to be completed, thereby delaying the relocation of the president to the Presidential Villa.
This was said to have prompted the Presidency to issue the ultimatum which, the Nigerian Tribune learnt Julius Berger was hopeful it would meet.
“They have been working day and night since. They are now saying that they can even finish the renovation work by Friday,” a Presidency source which wanted to remain anonymous told the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has cancelled his planned trip to Cape Town, South Africa to attend the ongoing meeting of the World Economic Forum for Africa (WEFA).
It was learnt that he had to cancel the journey because of the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari from the country.
Buhari had gone to neighbouring Niger Republic and Chad for consultations with the countries’ leaders over the current war against terrorism in the country.
An advance party, which had been dispatched ahead Osinbajo’s visit to South Africa was said to have returned to Abuja, on Wednesday.
Nigeria hosted the last edition of WEFA, between May 7 and 9, 2014.
This year’s edition was expected to explore the theme: “Delivering on Africa’s Promise.”
Organisers said it would provide an important platform for regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to deepen the continent’s integration agenda and renew commitment to a sustainable path of growth and development by addressing the following themes: “Accelerating economic diversification, boosting strategic infrastructure and unlocking Africa’s talent.”
Credit: Tribune (Nigeria)
