Former President Muhammadu Buhari has publicly denied ownership of a piece of land in Abuja that was recently revoked by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA). The revocation, announced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, affects 762 plots in the upscale Maitama District, primarily due to non-payment of statutory fees related to Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
In a statement issued through his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari clarified that the land in question is allocated to the "Muhammadu Buhari Foundation" and not personally owned by him. He emphasized that he had previously declined an offer for land allocation during his presidency, stating he already possessed a plot and believed others without land should be prioritized.
The controversy arises amid reports that the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation allegedly owes over N1.234 billion in outstanding C of O fees, contributing to the land's revocation. Shehu further noted that the foundation faced excessive charges for obtaining its certificate of occupancy, suggesting that the revocation was not unexpected given these circumstances.
Buhari's statement aimed to clarify misconceptions circulating in the media regarding his involvement with the revoked land, urging people to verify facts before making assumptions about his ownership.
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