Recent remarks by the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari alleging that he now feeds from the rental of one of his houses in Kaduna State as well as to support his living expenses since leaving office in 2023 which sparked widespread debate, has been faulted.
The claim by Buhari which he made at the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Katsina State, left many Nigerians questioning its validity, given Buhari’s known entitlements as a former president and a retired military general.
Speaking at the meeting, Buhari stated; “After eight years as a civilian president, I have only three houses; one in Daura and two in Kaduna. I have given one out for renting where I get money for feeding.”
He also made remarks on the challenges of governing Nigeria, saying, “Nigeria is a difficult country to govern, but most Nigerians are unaware. You will not understand the complexities of leadership and the country itself until you find yourself in the administrative position of the country.”
But, a fact-check by PRNigeria released on Monday, February 3, 2025, indicated that the claim by the former President was misleading.
Checks by PRNigeria further showed that Buhari is entitled to significant statutory benefits as a former president and retired military officer.
Further checks by PRNigeria also indicated that available records at the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), indicated that former presidents are entitled to a severance pay of N10.54 billion, a monthly upkeep allowance of N350,000, and other benefits.
Additionally, the Federal Government allocated N13.8 billion in the 2024 budget for the upkeep of former presidents, vice-presidents, and other retired top officials.
Curiously, Buhari’s 2015 asset declaration further complicated his claim as the document he submitted revealed that he owns five homes, two mud houses, farms, an orchard, a ranch with 270 cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, and a variety of birds.
In addition, Buhari also has shares in three firms, owns two undeveloped plots of land, and purchased two cars from his savings.
While his 2023 asset declaration remained undisclosed, his 2015 records indicated that his rental income is most likely to be supplementary to his other substantial sources of income.
Further finding highlighted that Buhari, as a retired army general, is entitled to a monthly pension exceeding N1 million, in addition to the life pension provided to former Heads of State.
Interestingly, Buhari in 2016, claimed that he did not receive his military pension which has not been independently verified.
The fact-check also revealed that while Buhari may receive rental income from one of his properties, it is unlikely to be his primary source of livelihood as his statutory entitlements and publicly known assets indicate that he has multiple streams of income, thereby making his claim of relying solely on rental income misleading.
The findings have further reignited discussions about the transparency of public officials and the need for accurate disclosure of assets and income by Nigeria’s leaders.
However, as the debate continues, many Nigerians are calling for greater accountability and clarity from those who have held the nation’s highest office.
Link to the Factcheck: https://prnigeria.com/2025/02/03/president-buhari-rental-income/
