Renowned human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted sharply to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement about his financial situation.
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Buhari, speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Katsina on January 25, revealed that he sustains himself through rental income from one of his two houses in Kaduna State. The former president, who emphasized his commitment to transparency, stated that he owns only three houses: one in Daura, Katsina State, and two in Kaduna. He added that one of the Kaduna properties is rented out, providing him with funds for his daily living expenses.
In response, Odinkalu took to social media to challenge Buhari’s claims, accusing him of dishonesty. In a tweet, Odinkalu wrote:
“Someone should please tell @MBuhari that he is no longer running for the office of Messiah and, therefore, no longer has any need to keep lying about his earthly acquisitions.”
Odinkalu’s reaction highlights skepticism about Buhari’s portrayal of his financial status, particularly given the controversies surrounding governance and accountability during his eight-year presidency.
During the APC meeting, Buhari also reflected on the challenges of governing Nigeria, describing it as a “difficult country to govern.” He noted that many Nigerians fail to understand the complexities of leadership until they are in administrative positions.
The former president further expressed satisfaction with his post-presidency life, stating that he feels healthier and more relaxed since leaving office. “I look much better and healthier now than when I was the president of the country. Anybody that sees me now acknowledges that I look better than before,” he said.
Buhari also reiterated that he left office with a clean slate, asserting that no one could accuse him of illicit enrichment during his tenure.
TheNigerialawyer recalls the humongous ₦27bn allocated by the Federal Government for the entitlements of former presidents, vice presidents, heads of state, chiefs of staff, retired heads of service, and professors in the 2025 fiscal year.
Beneficiaries of this allocation include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, alongside ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Others expected to benefit are ex-military Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as well as former military President Ibrahim Babangida and retired Chief of General Staff Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.
President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 budget, titled ‘Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.’
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