Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is in the news again, and this time it’s about a piece of land in Abuja. Reports have been swirling that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revoked his land, but Buhari is hitting back, claiming it’s not quite that simple. Here’s the breakdown of what’s really going on.
- The Claim: FCTA allegedly revoked Buhari’s land.
- Buhari’s Response: The land is not his personal property, but belongs to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.
- The Foundation’s Trouble: They faced exorbitant fees trying to get the Certificate of Occupancy.
- Buhari’s Stance: He already owns a plot in Abuja and declined another offer while in office.
The Land Saga: What’s The Real Deal?
The buzz started with reports suggesting that the FCTA had seized a piece of land belonging to ex-President Buhari. However, Buhari’s spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, released a statement clarifying that the land in question isn’t actually owned by Buhari personally. Instead, it belongs to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation. But the story doesn’t end there.
Foundation’s Roadblock: The Certificate of Occupancy Headache
The Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, created by individuals around the former president, ran into a massive problem when trying to secure a Certificate of Occupancy for the land. They were hit with an unusually high bill, far more than what similar organizations were charged. This has raised eyebrows and suspicions about whether this was an error or a deliberate move to cause problems for the foundation.
Buhari’s Side: No New Land Grab for Him
Buhari, it turns out, already has a plot of land in Abuja. During his time as president (2015-2023), he was even offered another piece of land, but he declined. He stated that he already owned a plot in the FCT, and that the new offers should be given to people who don’t already own land in Abuja. This move shows that Buhari was not seeking to increase his personal landholdings while in office.
Setting The Record Straight: A Call for Factual Reporting
The former president’s team has urged the public to get their facts right before spreading rumors. They made it clear that this issue isn’t about Buhari’s personal land but rather about the foundation’s challenges with the FCDA. The public was asked to stop tarnishing the former president’s reputation with misinformation.
So, while the land issue continues to be a topic of discussion, it is now clear that the narrative of a personal land grab by Buhari is inaccurate. The spotlight is now on the bureaucratic hurdles faced by the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.
Additional information:
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) oversees land administration in Abuja. The process of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) can be lengthy and complex, often resulting in complications with the responsible authorities.
The Muhammadu Buhari Foundation is presumably a non-profit organization established to promote the goals of the former president. These foundations are common in Nigeria for influential figures and politicians.
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