The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has come under fire for revoking land allocated to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, citing exorbitant certificate of occupancy fees. Garba Shehu insists the land is not Buhari’s personal property but urges fair treatment.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is facing criticism for revoking a plot of land tied to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation over what has been described as exorbitant certificate of occupancy fees. The development has sparked debates about fairness and transparency in the Federal Capital Territory’s land allocation processes.
Garba Shehu, the former spokesperson for ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has waded into the controversy, clarifying that the land in question does not belong to the former president personally. According to Shehu, the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, a non-profit established by Buhari’s associates, lawfully acquired the land to advance its mission.
The dispute reportedly stems from the FCTA’s demand for a certificate of occupancy fee deemed exorbitant by the foundation’s representatives. Insiders allege that the charges imposed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are significantly higher than those levied on similar organizations, raising questions about potential bias or administrative lapses.
While the FCTA has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the land revocation, sources close to the Buhari foundation suggest the move could either be a clerical error or a deliberate action.
Addressing speculation, Garba Shehu emphasized that the land is tied to the foundation, not Buhari personally. “The Muhammadu Buhari Foundation was established by associates of the former president with lawful backing from supporters,” Shehu stated. “This controversy should not be used to tarnish Buhari’s name, as he already owns a plot in Abuja allocated before his presidency.”
Shehu also noted that during his tenure as president, Buhari declined offers for additional land, arguing that priority should be given to Nigerians without allocations.
Critics have accused the FCTA of targeting the foundation unfairly, while legal experts argue that such exorbitant fees undermine the credibility of land administration in the Federal Capital Territory. The controversy has reignited discussions on land ownership rights and the transparency of government agencies.
Proponents of the foundation argue that it has consistently operated within the bounds of the law and should not be subjected to what they call “punitive bureaucracy.”
Garba Shehu has called on critics to verify facts before drawing conclusions and urged the FCTA to resolve the matter amicably. “Dragging Buhari’s name into unnecessary controversies does a disservice to his legacy and distracts from the real issues,” he stated.
Meanwhile, supporters of the foundation have called for a review of the certificate of occupancy charges to ensure they align with those imposed on similar organizations.
The FCTA has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving many questions about the motivation behind the land revocation unanswered.
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