In a candid revelation, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed accusations of financial impropriety during his tenure, insisting that he was never enriched by corruption. Instead, Buhari, who governed Nigeria for eight years, disclosed that he now relies on rental income from one of his properties to sustain himself.
The statement, made during an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Katsina State, has raised eyebrows, as many Nigerians continue to scrutinize the financial lives of public officials, particularly after leaving office. The meeting, which was held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, was centered around the local government elections, but Buhari’s remarks have dominated headlines.
“I feed on rental income, not corruption,” Buhari said, emphasizing that his lifestyle and wealth have remained modest since leaving office.
Reflecting on his time as Nigeria’s leader, Buhari noted the immense challenges that come with running a country as complex as Nigeria, acknowledging that many Nigerians may not fully understand these complexities unless they have been in an administrative position themselves.
“Most Nigerians are unaware of how difficult it is to govern this country. The complexities of leadership here are immense, and you don’t truly understand them until you are in the position of leadership,” Buhari remarked in Hausa.
Buhari also took the opportunity to speak about the toll that the presidency had on his health, claiming that he now feels physically better than he did during his time in office.
“I look much better now. Anybody who sees me can tell that I am healthier than when I was the president of this country,” Buhari said, acknowledging the physical and mental toll the job took on him over the years.
Despite the challenges, Buhari said he had no regrets about his presidency. He maintained that his decision to leave office without any allegations of financial misconduct was a source of pride. “Nobody can accuse me of illicit enrichment. I have nothing to hide,” Buhari asserted, reinforcing his message of integrity and transparency in leadership.
The former president detailed his modest lifestyle, noting that he only owned three houses: one in Daura, his hometown, and two in Kaduna. However, one of the houses in Kaduna is now rented out, providing him with a steady income stream to support his living expenses.
“After eight years in office, I have only three houses. One in Daura, two in Kaduna. I have given one out for rent, where I get money for feeding,” Buhari revealed, asserting that he had not engaged in any illegal or corrupt activities while in power.
Buhari’s remarks come at a time when former leaders in Nigeria are often criticized for their post-office wealth, with some accused of embezzling public funds or using their influence for personal gain. His assertion that he had nothing to hide has sparked debates about the transparency and accountability of Nigeria’s former leaders.
While Buhari’s statement may offer clarity on his financial situation, the question of wealth accumulation during public service remains a contentious topic in Nigerian politics. Corruption remains a pervasive issue, with both present and past political figures often under intense scrutiny for their financial dealings. Buhari’s insistence on his clean record aims to set him apart from others who have faced corruption charges, such as former Nigerian leaders who have been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
But critics of the former president argue that his claims may not be sufficient to quell doubts about his financial dealings. For many Nigerians, the issue of wealth accumulation by politicians, particularly those who served at the highest levels of government, continues to be a matter of concern. Allegations of corrupt enrichment have been a recurring theme in Nigerian politics, with former leaders often being accused of amassing wealth far beyond their known sources of income.
Despite the controversy, Buhari’s defenders maintain that his legacy is one of anti-corruption efforts and dedication to the country’s stability. Buhari’s administration was marked by numerous initiatives aimed at fighting corruption, though these efforts were often criticized for being selective and politically motivated.
In his comments, Buhari also took a moment to praise the current administration, expressing confidence that the country would continue on its path toward economic growth and stability. However, he cautioned that the challenges of governance would remain, especially with Nigeria’s vast and diverse population, which often presents unique obstacles for leaders.
“Nigeria is a country with great potential, but it’s also one of the most difficult to govern. The challenges are always there, and it takes true dedication and a sense of duty to navigate them,” Buhari said, urging the current leaders to remain focused on transparency and accountability.
His candid admission of relying on rental income rather than personal wealth accumulated through corruption might not be enough to end the debate about his presidency, but it does offer a glimpse into his life post-office and his continued commitment to fighting corruption.
