The Lagos State Government has announced that Eko Bridge inwards the newly re-opened Apongbon Bridge will close for 24 hours on Sunday 16th July, 2023 for immediate remedial palliative works by the Lagos State Public Works in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola made this statement known today, that the 24 hour closure will allow uninterrupted palliative adjustment of the bridge.

While confirming that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Personnel have been deployed to control and manage traffic around C.M.S, Marina, Ijora, and other alternative routes on the Lagos Island and Mainland, he explained that the palliative work was necessary to complement the newly re-opened Apongbon Bridge.

The alternative routes made available during the period of repair are highlighted as follows;

1. For Motorists from Mainland/Surulere going to Lagos Island are advised to make use of Ijora-Olopa/Causeway to Carter Bridge (Idumota) to connect their desired destinations;

Or

b. Connect Costain to Iganmu through Ijora-Oloye via Ijora Causeway to Carter Bridge (Idumota), for their desired destinations.

2. For Motorists from Lagos Island going to Surulere/Mainland are advised to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota) through Iddo/Oyingbo to Herbert Macaulay for their desired destinations;

Or

Connect Carter Bridge(Idumota) through Ijora Olopa by LAWMA Headquarters to Eko Bridge inwards Costain/Alaka for their desired destinations.

3. Motorists can equally make use of the Third Mainland Bridge through Adekunle to connect Herbert Macaulay to link their desired destinations.

The Transport Permanent Secretary further urged road users to cooperate with the Traffic Managers during the palliative works to enhance seamless movement.

E-Signed;

Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola

Permanent Secretary,

Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

15th July, 2023.

The Federal Government has filed a two-count charge of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

According to Channel Television report, FG accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence.

The government maintained that the offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the suspended CBN Governor was accused of having in his possession 123 rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence, which is contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge, but there are indications that this will be done next week.

Emefiele has been in the custody of the DSS since June 10. The spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, had said it was for “investigative reasons”.

Afunanya, in a statement on Thursday, also disclosed that the agency had charged Emefiele to court following an Abuja High Court ruling.

Count one of the charges reads; That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about the 15th of June 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession one (1) Single Barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, Cap. F28 Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

Count two: That you, Godwin Emefiele, Male, of No. 8 Colorado Street Maitama Abuja, on or about June 15, 2023, at No. 3b Iru Close, Ikoyi, Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had in your possession One Hundred and Twenty-Three (123) Rounds of live ammunition (Cartridges) without a licence You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

Meanwhile, Another FCT High Court in Abuja voided the arrest and detention of Emefiele by the DSS on Friday.

Delivering judgement, Justice Bello Kawu held that the arrest, detention, and interrogation of Mister Emefiele are in violation of the subsisting judgement and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan.

Mr Emefiele, through his Counsel, Peter Abang, had asked the court to set aside and nullify the arrest and detention of the Applicant for being illegal and a nullity in view of the subsisting judgment by another court delivered on 29th December 2022.

Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the Respondents, especially the DSS for the arrest of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, threat to national security before any court.

The court further granted an injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the DSS from arresting, detaining, or interfering with Mr. Emefiele’s personal liberty and freedom of movement.

The court finally granted an order of injunction directing and mandating the Respondents, particularly the DSS to forthwith release Mr. Emefiele from any arrest or detention.

Justice Rabiu Gwandu of the National Industrial Court in Lagos has fixed September 30 for further hearing in a $4.2 million suit instituted against a multinational oil company, ExxonMobil Corporation and its parent body, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited by its ex-staff, James Nwagbogwu Ebede, over alleged forceful retirement.

When the matter was mentioned for continuation of trial, counsel for ExxonMobil, Paul Usoro, SAN, was in court to cross examine the claimant who has given evidence and closed his case since last year.

But, Ituah Imhanze leading two other lawyers for Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited told the court that he filed an amended statement of defence against the consequential amendment statement of claim of the claimant.

However, claimant’s lawyer, Chucks Uguru told the court that he will not be opposing the amendment but urged the court to impose a cost of N750,0,000 on the Mobil Producing company, contending that the claimant filed his amended statement of claim since 18th of March,2022.

Uguru stated that the only reason the defendants have not filed their statement of defence was for the purpose of delaying the case which was filed about five years ago.

He told the court that the case had suffered series of adjournments at the instance of the defendants.

Uguru further told the court that the business of the day was for the claimant to be cross-examined by the defence counsels but this is another dilatory.

Consequently, he urged the court to grant them two hearing days if the case is to be adjourned after the application must have been heard.

In her ruling, the trial judge, Justice H Gwandu, after Mr. Imhanze granted the application for amended statement of defence, and ordered Mobil Producing Nigeria company to pay the cost of N500,000, which must be paid before the next adjourned date.

Thereafter, Justice Gwandu adjourned the matter till 30th and 31st of September 2023 for continuation of hearing.

In a statement of fact filed before the National Industrial Court on behalf of the claimant, stated that he worked with the company from December, 2001 to 2018 as an engineer and that because of his consistent excellent performance, he was at various times given important responsibilities.

He averred that in 2015 he was deployed to Dubai with the posting to last till December 2017 but that he was forcefully redeployed back to Nigeria and retired because he refused to carry out alleged dishonest actions that he was being compelled to do by the manager of ExxonMobil while on assignment in the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

According to him, on his return to Nigeria, further punitive actions were taken against him leading to his forceful retirement.

He alleged that the company attempted to compel him to employ unqualified engineer and that on several occasions, attempts were made to compel him to sign off uncompleted and poorly executed project as completed, among others.

The claimant alleged that upon return from Iraq, he provided the defendants details of the unethical and immoral acts he was being coerced to do for which he was being unjustly treated.

He said the defendants constituted a team and got further details from the claimant, and promised more documents upon the receipt of the claimant’s personal belongings shipped by the defendants for the claimant.

The claimant further alleged that when his shipment arrived Nigeria, he was shocked that the defendants were unwilling to either clear the shipment from the ports or handover the original Bill of Lading to the claimant such that the claimant can go and clear the container containing his personal belongings.

The claimant alleged that since 6th September 2017, the defendants have continued to hold on to the shipment containing his personal belongings and he believes it is in the defendants bid to subvert the course of justice.

Consequently, Mr. Ebede is claiming $4.2 million as general damages for the emotional stress he had suffered;

N114,992,096 being the equivalent of 32 months salary which the defendant ought to pay him for his forceful retirement and also demanding published public apology in two daily newspapers and two international newspapers.

However, the defendants in their preliminary objection urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the ground that the ExxonMobil company is an entity incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, saying that the Nigerian court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

In her ruling, the presiding judge, Justice R. H. Gwandu, while adjourning for hearing held “I hold that this court has the jurisdiction to adjudicate on issues contained in the claimant’s suits both by subject matter and territory, the claimant having shown sufficient cause of action against the defendant.”

Meshach Siunuphro, a well built 25-year old man claims to be into various endeavours, but his physique and age might give him out as a Yahoo Boy.

However, he claims to be an Abuja big boy who is into forex trade, and at the same time, a 300-level student of Business Administration at the University of Istanbul, Turkey.

Meanwhile, Siunuphro has landed himself in serious mess. By now, he would be facing interrogation in the nation’s capital as police investigators attempt to unravel the real motive for allegedly stealing and absconding with an exotic Mercedes Benz Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The unregistered automobile, a 2021 model of Benz GLB 250 4MATIC, is said to be worth the princely, eye-popping sum of N58 million only.

Siunuphro, who hails from Ughelli area of Delta State, allegedly disappeared with the car on June 30 while test driving it after commencing negotiations with the Abuja-based dealer.

He drove down to his home state, changed the four alloyed rims, and later left the car in the bush in Oteri community, Ughelli where it was recovered by police operatives on July 3. The suspect was subsequently arrested four days later on July 6 in Benin City, Edo State.

Parading the suspect, Public Relations Officer of Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, said the suspect would be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.

Edafe said the suspect saw the car advert online, indicated interest and made contact with the dealer. He said during the physical meeting with the dealer, the suspect negotiated to pay N30 million, and actually pretended that he was going to make payment but requested to test drive it which the dealer obliged, ostensibly for the prospective buyer to know the true worth of the SUV.

According to him, the dealer was with Siunuphro during the test drive, adding that they decided to pull over to refill the tank, as the car was running low on fuel.

They pulled into a fuel station, but discovered that only cash payment was accepted in the particular station.

“So because they were not accepting transfer at the particular station, the dealer stepped out to get cash from a POS stand, only for the suspect to disappear afterwards.

“When it was discovered that the car was in Delta, the complainant who is the Abuja-based car dealer was advised to come to the command to formally lodge the report,” he sai, lied, adding that on July 3, the vehicle was recovered.

“But investigation did not stop there. We later got another intelligence report that the suspect was in Benin. We swung into action and arrested him on Thursday morning, July 6. I moved him to Asaba for onward transfer to Abuja,” he said. Edafe seized the opportunity to advise card dealers and car owners to be wary of the new scheme by criminals to snatch cars from people. He particularly cautioned those who take their cars to car wash centres never to hand over the ignition keys to the attendants.

And suspect speaks

Speaking with our correspondent, the smooth-talking suspect narrated how he drove the car to Delta, even as he regretted his action.

Hear him: “I saw the advert online and chatted with the dealer to set up an appointment. But when I saw the car, I told him it was not worth what he actually mentioned to me initially.

“He asked me to make an offer, and I offered to pay N30 million. He told me to just hold on a minute that I should shut my mouth and wait for us to test drive it. He said then I would hear the sound of the car, and that the car was actually worth the price it was listed.

“He told me that the car is a 2021 model. I volunteered to go for the test drive. On our way, we passed through a long roundabout. Then he said I should quickly pull over for us to get some gas for the car for us to continue the test drive.

“So I pulled over to the gas station and he told me to wait for him, that he was going to get some cash from POS across.

“I waited for over 30 minutes, and he was not showing up. And there was a queue of vehicles behind me at the petrol station. So I had to pull over a bit for other cars to come in and buy.

“I waited over two hours, he was not showing up and it was already close to 6pm. He was already calling me and I tried to call him back but his number was switched off.

“I didn’t know the exact point I was at that moment, so I had to use the nearest filling station to put some gas in the car. He didn’t come after he left. That was when I drove off the car,” he said.

Asked why he did not go back to the car stand after waiting for hours, he claimed that there were lots of car stands, and that it would have been difficult to locate the exact one. Siunuphro said he drove the car to Delta, without stopping at police checkpoints on the way.

He also stated that he ran into a ditch which damaged one of the rims in front, a development that prompted him to change the four rims at N350,000.00.

According to him, his only intention was to buy the car and drive. I was just going to buy and drive. But I have not paid at that point. I was hypnotised, can’t say exactly what happened,” he stated.

He noted that his forex trade business is like a daily business. “It comes and I make my claim and use my profit to do what I want. I was actually expecting some money that same day.

“Stealing of cars is not my business; this is actually my first. I am a 300 level student of Business Administration at the University of Istanbul. I just came back from Turkey.

“Now, I feel nervous, I feel overwhelmed, I wish I didn’t do it. I regret my action. It didn’t go down well. I never expected it will end up like this sort of situation.”

Some politicians, who think that their closeness to President Bola Tinubu, will fetch them ministerial positions are in for a shock, an investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed.

It was gathered that the President might rely on security reports on individuals whose names were already sent to security agencies for screening ahead of the submission of the ministerial list to the Senate before Thursday, July 27.

Lawmakers in the Red Chamber were scheduled to proceed on a long recess on July 27, but the non-submission of the ministerial nominees may delay their vacation. Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, and the new law says he must present the ministerial list to the Senate for confirmation before 60 days. Today (Sunday) makes it 48 days since he assumed office.

It was gathered that the President had forwarded the names of some individuals to security agencies for clearance, but top sources said their clearance might not be an indication that they would make the list when the nominees are eventually presented to the Senate for screening.

The President was said to have been inundated with the names of politicians, associates, party bigwigs, professionals, and others, who showed interest to be part of his government.

One of the sources said, “While the President is keeping his cards to his chest, there are former governors, especially those that finished their tenure on May 29, who are showing interest in becoming ministers.

“Also, as expected, there are political bigwigs, traditional rulers, captains of industries, and those in the Diaspora. But instead of waiting to compile the list, the President was sending them to the security agencies piecemeal for clearance.

“That was why the Presidency was correct when it said there was no ministerial list anywhere.”

Recall that the presidential spokesman, Mr Dele Alake, recently said Tinubu’s ministerial list was not ready.

“There is no iota of truth in all of those things. When the President is good and ready, you will be the first to know his intentions,” Alake said.

The source said that rather than reject nominations of individuals and some politicians, Tinubu might rely on the outcome of the security screening, which he explained had reached an advanced stage.

The source added, “Corrupt politicians, indicted individuals and others who are showing eagerness to be part of this government will be shocked when they see the security reports on them.

“So, the President, instead of outright rejection, will use the reports to check them. And if they are adamant on serving, I think there are senators from such individuals’ states that will raise objections to their clearance on the floor of the Senate.”

Another source specifically mentioned two former governors accused of corruption as among those that might be shocked that they would not make the list despite their perceived contribution to the electoral victory of the President.

“Just wait. Some will be shocked, others will want to constitute themselves into opposition because neither them nor their nominees will be on the list,” the source added.

It was also gathered that the President was also considering rehabilitating a former governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, to return him to political relevance in the state.

Ambode, who succeeded Babatunde Fashola as the governor of Lagos State, was denied a second term by political leaders in the state.

He was replaced by Babatunde Sanwo-Olu. Since he left office, Ambode had remained silent until the emergence of Tinubu, who recently met with him, Fashola, and Sanwo-Olu recently in Lagos.

The body of a 28-year-old lady has been discovered in a room in a hotel located at 102 Yale Okeowo Street, off Community Road, Ago Palace Way, Lagos.

The incident took place on Wednesday when a young man checked into the hotel with the lady. After some minutes, he reportedly left the lady in the room. The young man, identified as Kelvin in the receipt provided by the hotel receptionist, is now the prime suspect in the crime.

According to sources, the grim discovery was made on Thursday morning when the body of the young lady was found. A staff member of the hotel, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted the sequence of events to Sunday Vanguard. She said: “A young man arrived at the hotel around 11 p.m. on Wednesday with his girlfriend, who appeared to be around 28 years old. He made a transfer payment of N9,000 for the lodging and entered the room with her. Shortly after, he came downstairs, inquiring about the closing time of the hotel gate as he planned to visit a club.

“He assured us that he would return soon because his girlfriend was still inside the room. The following morning, despite numerous attempts to gain access by knocking on the door, there was no response.

“Peering through the window, we were alarmed to see a leg on the floor. We immediately alerted the manager, who subsequently contacted the Ago Palace Division of the police. Upon breaking open the door, a horrifying sight awaited us: a lifeless, unclothed body of a lady lying on the floor.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma at the weekend rose to the challenge of hardship recently made worse by the removal of fuel subsidy in the country, raising the minimum wage of workers in Imo State to N40,000.

The multiple palliatives include but not limited to enhanced free transportation, feeding and medical care for workers, generous loans to genuine farmers, the establishment of marketing and commodity boards, payment of gratuities to retirees, mass housing, recruitment of more teachers for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, bursary and scholarship for Imo State students, among others.

Uzodimma unveiled the package at a special meeting of critical stakeholders comprising religious leaders, politicians, farmers, traders, and labour leaders, among others, which he convened at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

The governor said he knows that “because we are buying petrol now at the rate of N530 per litre as against the previous rate of N189, you may hardly believe it. But I know that faith and hope are recurring words in our everyday lives.”

“Because you have hope and I know you also have faith in what we are doing, you will ultimately triumph. And I want you to be rest assured that this promise will come through. My dear brothers and sisters, you must believe me, when I tell you that I am truly touched by the reality on the ground. Yes, I am personally affected because whenever the nose weeps, the eyes join.”

Governor Uzodimma said he had “watched with keen interest how our people have been faring since the removal of the subsidy on fuel was announced,” noting, “I can tell you that I have been deeply worried by my observations.”

“It is clear to me that our people are suffering, particularly the low-income earners and those in paid employment. I have therefore convened this special meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour, Traders, Farmers and Artisans, to announce the comprehensive palliative measures we are putting in place, which I am sure will ease these sufferings, in addition to the measures expected from the federal government. I want you to know that I am with you in your travails. I share in your worries.”

He said he shared in their pains and anxieties, “but most importantly, I am here to tell you to worry less, to give you HOPE and to assure you that help is on the way. I want to let you into my plans for you. The plans that will alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, stimulate the economy, create additional jobs and enhance the wages of workers.”

Legal practitioners under the aegis of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy have slammed the State Security Services SSS for arresting and detaining the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele while leaving out his principal and approving authority, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The SSS had in December last year made attempts to arrest Emefiele but was stopped by the Courts.

Emefiele had in the lead up to the 2023 general elections came under intense scrutiny following the apex bank’s Naira Redesign Policy which many partisans saw as targeting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, then presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC.

Speaking on Arise Television breakfast show monitored Friday in Abuja, Convener, Lawyers in Defence of Democracy, Kingdom Okere, also accused the SSS of framing up Emefiele. He described the arrest as illegal, saying it was in violation of a subsisting order of the Federal Capital Territory FCT High Court.

He consequently called for the sack of the Director General State Services DGSS, Yusuf Bichi, saying there was no reason to have retained him when President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.

Okere who recalled how the SSS had tried to arrest Emefiele in December last year but only succeeded in June 2023, said it was deeply concerning that the security agency would still detain Emefiele for more than one month, instead of having gathered its evidences within the period from December 2022 to June 2023.

He said; “We just heard from the statement by the DSS that they have charged him to court. Charging him to court is different from arraigning him.

“We have not seen a copy of the charge. Of course, the accused has been in illegal detention of the DSS, and his lawyers should be privy to whatever charges that may have preferred against him.

“The point is that Lawyers in the Defence of Democracy have been on this issue since 7th December 2022 when the DSS sought to obtain a black market exparte application from the Federal High Court. It is black market because the honourable judge of the Federal High Court said the DSS could not use that honourable court to commence an irregular proceeding.

“Thereafter, on 29th December 2022, Justice MA Hassan of the FCT High Court made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the DSS from preferring any trump up charge of terrorism financing against the suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele and DSS participated in that proceeding and they have not appealed that decision and if they purport to have done that, there is no proper record of appeal at the Appeal Court to that effect.

“The rule of law does not empower the DSS to disregard an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The only thing they can do within their constitutional right is to go to a higher court to set it aside. Insofar as that order remains, whatever they are purporting to do, to file any charges against Emefiele remains illegal ab initio.

“Between 7th of December 2022 when they first went to court and 8th June 2023 when they eventually arrested him, they didn’t have any evidence against him. What they have done is to prove us right that they had plans to frame him up. It has now taken them more than one month and just Thursday’s court order that directed them to either release him or charge him to court to now go and file whatever charge they purport to have filed.”

Arrest Buhari

Okere also said Emefiele was only following orders, that the man who gave him the order, former President Muhammadu Buhari ought to also have been arrested by the SSS.

He said; “Whatever Emefiele did as CBN Governor had presidential approval. So, if they have anything against him, they should also know that it is traceable to former President Muhammadu Buhari and they should also being him to book so that they can defend themselves.

“Be that as it may, DSS upon searching Emefiele’s house found only N300,000. Does it mean that Emefiele from his legitimate earnings cannot have N300,000 in his house? They also found a licence for pump action. Any other thing they come out with tomorrow that they found in Emefiele’s house is pure falsehood. Those were the only two things they found in his house and it took them more than one month and the order of a court to go and file charges against him just yesterday.

Track record of flouting rule of law

“The DSS has a history of disobeying court orders. It is their stock in trade. They also gave a track record of invading people’s homes in the wee hours of the day or night just as they did to justices of the supreme court and of course you know how the matter ended.

“DSS has always proven itself as an agency that flouts the rule of law. They see themselves as above the law, whereas they were established by just a piece of legislation, the Security Agencies Act that was signed by the president and they now see themselves to be over and above the constitution of Nigeria that established the federation where all arms of government must operate within the ambit of the constitution.

“Tinubu, the new president has a track record of believing in the rule of law. One example is that he fought former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he withheld the local government allocation due to Lagos state because Tinubu found that it was within the powers of the state Assembly to create local governments or development centres as they are called today”, he added.

Sack Bichi

Mr Okere also advocated the sack of the DGSS, Yusuf Bichi, saying President Tinubu could be sending the wrong signals to Nigerians by retaining him.

“We are calling on President Tinubu to not allow the overzealousness of the DSS to tarnish his hard-earned reputation of believing in the rule of law, of believing in opposition politics and in his inaugural address, he promised Nigerians that he was going to obey the rule of law.

“We now asked him, why are you still leaving this man in office? All other Service Chiefs have been removed. Why did you leave him? Probably because he participated in the whole politics of old and new Naira notes and attempted to initially frame Emefiele up by going to the Federal High Court to seek exparte application. And of course, it is widely believed that he belongs to Tinubu’s camp and that is why the president is still leaving him in office.

“So, we are telling the president that this is not the right way to begin. Nobody is above the entire Federal Republic if Nigeria. Look for more competent hands and replace this person because ab initio, his appointment was a subject of controversy.

“We learned in the public domain that he had retired and former President Muhammadu Buhari in his characteristic manner of not following the law in making certain appointments like he appointed former CG of Customs, a retired Army colonel, also brought Bichi back to serve as DSS, an institution from which he had long retired as we learned in the media.

“So, we are telling the incumbent president to do things right,” Okere added.

Over six weeks after assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has yet to occupy his official residence at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

While the President has been actively using his private conference room, office space, and Aso Chambers for crucial meetings with local and international guests, his official residence east of the office remains unoccupied.

In the afternoon of May 29, hours after his inauguration, Tinubu arrived at the State Banquet Hall for lunch with fellow Heads of State and country representatives, who witnessed the ceremony at Eagles Square, Abuja.

However, it is normal to see the President’s convoy leaving the premises at the close of his work day, bypassing his official residence, exiting the Villa, and heading for his Maitama private mansion. The same applies to his daily resumption.

The reason could be the ongoing renovation that began in late April when former President Buhari vacated the 32-year-old structure for a temporary residence called the Glass House.

On May 6, 2023, weeks before Tinubu’s inauguration, maintenance work began around the Villa. It encompassed recoating worn-out portions with white paint, and a change of furniture in the green room of the Council Chamber, among others.

A spokesman for Buhari, Garba Shehu, had tweeted under a picture, “Painter at work. Villa wearing a new look for the incoming President.”

A senior source in the State House had told our correspondent that Tinubu, like his predecessors, was expected to decide what kind of furniture would be installed in his official residence.

Although Buhari moved into his new residence almost three weeks after his inauguration, Presidency sources confirmed the delay to our correspondent and said the same could not be expected of the new Commander-in-Chief, who is moving in eight years after a previous occupier.

The source stated, “These things are relative. It is not fixed at all. Goodluck Jonathan stayed for five years, and Buhari stayed for eight years. So, the level of repairs that needs to be done this time must have increased.

“There may be major alterations they are trying to do. For example, the Council Chamber we use today didn’t have all the technology it has now.

“There was a point during Baba’s (Buhari’s) tenure that it had to be shut down completely because they wanted to upgrade it. We were using the First Lady’s conference room for Federal Executive Council meetings at that time. And it took a long time to effect the changes.”

Another source said, “It’s also about individual choices, what you want in a place. But he (Tinubu) occupied the office as soon as he came in.”

On June 10, a security source confided in our correspondent, “He (Tinubu) has not moved in because maintenance is still on.”

Meanwhile, our correspondent also confirmed that the Aso Rock Chapel had been actively holding weekly meetings even though the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has yet to worship there.

The First Lady had stated that the President had not appointed a chaplain for the Aso Villa Chapel after the exit of the former Chaplain, Seyi Malomo.

Mrs Tinubu, in a statement last Monday, said the President reserved the right to appoint a chaplain while debunking claims on social media platforms that the Aso Villa Chapel had been closed down.

She said, “Our attention has been drawn to a story on social media about the purported closure of the Aso Rock Chapel by the First Lady; we wish to state categorically that this is a fabrication and a false representation of the true situation.

“The First Lady at no time gave such a directive that the chapel be shut nor asked for the keys to be handed over to her.”

At the time of filing this report, the former chaplain could not be reached.

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has signed a contract until 2025 with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team announced on Saturday.

The 36-year-old striker who sparked Argentina to a World Cup title last year in Qatar, is set to be unveiled by the team in a Sunday ceremony and expected to join Inter Miami on the pitch as early as Friday.

“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi, who moves from Paris Saint-Germain, said in a statement.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s arrival in Miami has already caused a sensation and is expected to spark greater interest in the game and MLS across the United States.

It’s also hoped he’ll revive the fortunes of a Miami squad at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference at 5-13 with three drawn.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project,” Messi said. “The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”

Messi’s debut match is planned for Friday when Inter Miami will host Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a revamped competition between MLS and Mexican league squads.

It’s the biggest boost for the North American league since English star David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. He launched the MLS Miami squad in 2020 after years of trying to find a stadium site.

“Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city, players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much,” Beckham said in a statement.

“Today that dream came true.

“I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.

“The next phase of our adventure starts here and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”

– ‘World’s Greatest’ –

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has managed Messi in two separate prior stints –- with FC Barcelona in the 2013-14 campaign, winning the 2013 Spanish SuperCup, and from 2014-2016 with the Argentine national team.

Messi captained the Albiceleste to victory at the 2021 Copa America as well as the Qatar World Cup and has 103 goals in 175 appearances for Argentina.

“We’re overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

“His decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America. We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.”

Messi is set for a glitzy arrival ceremony on Sunday at “The Unveil” with 18,000 expected to watch his first public event with his new club, followed by his first news conference with Inter on Monday and first training session with the club on Tuesday.

“I’m honored to welcome Leo Messi and his family to their new home,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said. “We made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world’s elite players… a heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality.”