Although there were unconfirmed reports that ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua might return to the country this week, there were no indications of preparations for his arrival in the Presidential Villa as at Friday.
All through the week, activities continued at the normal pace in Aso Rock, and government officials and presidential aides did not give any hint that their principal was being expected soon.
No extra security measures around the complex were observed by our correspondent and presidential guards were not seen readying the convoy that normally welcomes, and escorts the President from the airport.
Although security within the Presidential Villa was not slack, it remained at the usual level all through the week, just like in the past days since Yar‘Adua travelled to Saudi Arabia for medical attention.
Our correspondent observed that the situation in the Presidential Villa was normal, with no noticeable increase in the pace of activities or visitors in the complex. Presidential aides were reporting to their offices as usual, but their conduct and activities did not offer any suggestion that they were expecting their boss anytime soon.
There were also no signs of preparations around the First Lady‘s office.
Staff of German company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which handles a long-standing maintenance contract in the Presidential Villa, have also been going about their normal duties in the complex.
Expectations of Yar‘Adua‘s imminent return were heightened on Tuesday as rumours of his arrival spread in Abuja. The expectation was so strong that there were feelers from the House of Representatives that some lawmakers nominated to go and visit the President in Saudi Arabia might not be going after all.
The six-member team was allegedly told that the trip was no longer necessary as Yar‘Adua was on his way back.
However, on that Tuesday, our correspondent could not observe any sign of preparations for Yar‘Adua‘s return in the Presidential Villa.
But the most telling indication that Yar‘Adua was not being expected back in the country was Vice-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan‘s trip to Jos, Plateau State, where he inspected areas affected by the recent sectarian crisis.
”I am really not aware that the President is coming back now; I can‘t confirm that,” a source in the Presidency said in response to our correspondent‘s enquiries concerning the matter. Also, the Federal Executive Council rose from its meeting on Wednesday without giving any indications that the President was on his way back.
Although the Council passed a resolution that Yar‘Adua was not incapable of discharging the functions of his office, it was silent on his return date.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, could not be reached for their comments as calls made to their telephones were not picked.
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