Former President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed reports linking him to a plot of land which was revoked by the authorities of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja.
In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, on Thursday evening, the former President clarified that the land was allocated to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up by his associates.
Shehu insisted that Buhari had no personal ownership of the said property.
“The foundation had lawfully acquired the land with support from well-meaning Nigerians but encountered bureaucratic hurdles when the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) presented an unusually high bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy,” Shehu explained.
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“This bill was far higher than what was typically charged to similar organisations,” he added, noting that the revocation of the property rights was not unexpected.
Shehu also emphasised Buhari’s lack of interest in acquiring personal land in Abuja during his tenure.
“When he and his cabinet members were invited to apply for land in the FCT, he returned the form unfilled, stating that he already owned a plot and that others without land should benefit instead,” Shehu said.
The former presidential spokesperson criticised those spreading misinformation about the alleged seizure and called for greater accuracy.
“Let those jumping up and down in the digital space get their facts right and stop dragging the name of the former president into baseless controversies,” he said.
Shehu concluded by reaffirming Buhari’s integrity and dedication to selflessness throughout his time in public service, describing the clarification as a step to safeguard the former president’s reputation.