- Garba Shehu stated that the revoked plot in Abuja belongs to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, not former President Muhammadu Buhari personally
- Shehu urged critics to verify facts, emphasizing that Buhari declined additional land offers during his presidency to prioritize those without property
Garba Shehu, spokesperson for former President Muhammadu Buhari, has clarified the controversy surrounding a revoked plot of land in Abuja linked to his principal.
The land, reportedly located in the upscale Maitama district, was among 762 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) revoked by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike due to unpaid statutory fees.
Additionally, Wike gave 614 other plot owners a two-week ultimatum to clear outstanding payments or risk losing their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O).
The revocations affected prominent individuals, including the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
In a statement on Thursday, Shehu stressed that Buhari is not personally connected to the seized land. Instead, the property is registered under the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.
Shehu explained that the foundation, established by supporters of the former president, had encountered challenges with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), particularly with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
He stated: “The plot of land in question is allocated to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, not the former president personally.
The foundation, created by well-meaning individuals, followed lawful procedures but faced an unusually high fee from the FCDA for issuing a certificate of occupancy. This charge, far above standard rates, created obstacles, and the revocation is unsurprising.”
Shehu also addressed Buhari’s stance on land allocations. During his presidency, Buhari declined when offered land alongside cabinet members, stating he already owned a plot in Abuja and preferred that those without land receive priority.
He urged critics to verify facts before attributing ownership of the revoked land to the former president, adding: “Let those speculating online get their facts right and refrain from tarnishing Buhari’s name.”
The clarification dispels misconceptions about Buhari’s involvement in the revoked land matter.