Aso Villa still deserted as President operates from Defence House

Presidential Villa, yesterday, remained deserted and devoid of any activity or programme as President Muhammadu Buhari stayed away and operated from the Defence House where he had been since his election.

Being the first official working day after his inauguration on May 29, expectations were high that Presidential Villa would be a beehive of activities for guests yesterday.

Even staff of Aso Villa were mindful of the implication of coming to office late and, thus, reported for duty as early as 8.30 am. But the staff and guests were disappointed as both President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo did not come to the Presidential Villa up till yesterday’s evening.


However, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, attributed the President’s delay in moving to the Presidential Villa to inconclusive refurbishment of the President’s office and residence.

He explained that the President would resume at the Villa as soon as the ongoing refurbishments and cleanings were certified completed.

Meanwhile, some of the key staff, including security and protocol, have relocated to the Defence House, apparently to assert their position and prevent being usurped by anyone.