Taylor's new home waiting

2003-08-11 20:07

Calabar, Nigeria - A palatial mansion expected to house Liberia's outgoing president Charles Taylor during his exile in Nigeria has been renovated and is ready for his arrival, AFP witnessed on Monday.

Taylor, who handed over power on Monday in Monrovia to his deputy, Moses Blah, boarded a plane at the main airport in Liberia and was expected to head to the Nigerian capital Abuja.

The 55-year-old former warlord, who is indicted for war crimes committed during Sierra Leone's civil war, has accepted an offer of asylum in Nigeria, but has resisted leaving Liberia for months despite extreme international pressure and a rebel onslaught.

His future home, in an exclusive, serene neighbourhood of the southeastern coastal city of Calabar, now seems ready to welcome him into exile.

The plush "palace" which has two adjoining buildings, is located on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, the parliament and a naval command centre.

Patrick Archibong Lodge, as it is called, is a two-storey architectural gem of the city, the capital of Cross River State.

The mansion is wearing a new coat of paint, and its grounds are now surrounded by armed policemen.

Street lights which have been dead for a long time have now come alive and dance with colour.

The roads leading up to the building, though lined with well-manicured flowers and beautiful trees, are not cordoned off.

Many residents in Calabar, including local journalists in the town, either claim they are unaware of Taylor's impending arrival or have shown total indifference to his coming.

But in Abuja, officials were forging ahead with their arrangements to formally receive Taylor, who seemed headed there after having stepped down.

The red carpet has been rolled out, and presidential guards have lined the airport tarmac. Only Taylor's plane is missing.

Former warlord and president, and future exile, Taylor was joined aboard a plane in Liberia by his two daughters and former spokesperson, Vanii Passewe. - Sapa-AFP

- SAPA