Buhari, Osinbajo absent from Aso Rock on Monday

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday failed to resume work at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

That would have been their first day in their respective offices having taken their oaths of office on Friday, a day declared as public holiday by the Federal Government.

As early as 7am, workers of the Presidential Villa reported for duties in readiness to formally receive Buhari and Osinbajo.

There were fears that with his disciplined posture, Buhari might want to take workers unawares by reporting to work early.

The waiting game however continued until about noon with the President and Vice President not in sight.

News later filtered in that rather than resuming at the Presidential Villa, Buhari had gone to the Defence House where he granted audience to some groups and individuals.

Defence House is the official residence of the nation’s President-elect.

The villa workers became relaxed immediately it became clear that the President and the Vice President would not come to the villa.

Both the President and the Vice President have yet to relocate to their official residences in the villa.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, had stated on Sunday that Buhari would not relocate to the villa until the ongoing cleaning and refurbishing work in his official residence was completed.

He said, “As far as the President is concerned, the place (his official residence) is not ready yet.”

“Workers are cleaning and refurbishing the place. Once the exercise is completed, the President will move in.”

When asked to be specific on how soon Buhari would move in, Shehu said he believed it would not take time.

“When the villa is ready, he will move.”

 ...Punch