Reactions as Buhari Relocated to Multibillion Naira Presidential Palace In Kaduna Credible sources who spoke with Daily Trust stated that his move to Daura was temporary, as his Kaduna home was undergoing complete demolition and reconstruction by a top Nigerian construction firm.
When the platform visited the location, heavily armed security operatives, including soldiers and police officers, were seen guarding the area, making access difficult.
However, a distant view showed that the house had been completely redesigned and expanded.
The Kaduna home was Buhari’s known residence before he assumed office as Nigeria’s President in 2015. Originally built during his time as the senior military officer, the property had continued modest compared to other former heads of state.
Sources declare that for eight years, Buhari did not majorly upgrade the house, as he spent most of his vacations in Daura.
In an interview on NTA’s ‘Conversations With History in November 2023, Buhari had previously expressed frustration over the number of visitors trooping to Daura, “People charter buses and come to see me from time to time. I thought I had stayed as far away from Abuja as possible, but they still come. I would have departed to Niger if the borders were opened.”
At a recent APC contingency in Katsina, Buhari reiterated that he owns only three houses, two in Kaduna and one in Daura. He disclosed that while he was previously staying in one of the Kaduna properties, the other was rented out.
Sources reported that while Buhari abide in Daura, his Kaduna home underwent a complete transformation, aligning with his status as the former military head of state and ex-president.
Buhari’s Kaduna residence’s lavish redesign and expansion have raised questions, considering the former president’s well-known frugality and austere lifestyle.
Credible sources who spoke with Daily Trust allege that the federal government funded the house’s reconstruction, leveraging Buhari’s entitlements as the former president.
Under the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) guidelines, ex-presidents are entitled to a well-furnished five-bedroom house in any location of their choice, free medical treatment for themselves and their immediate family, a well-equipped office space and 30 days of annual vacation within or outside Nigeria.
It is widely hypothesized that Buhari’s newly rebuilt Sultan Lane residence is a product of this entitlement, as the property now moods multiple buildings, replacing the previous vast lawns.
A source within the Presidency informed the platform that matters concerning the welfare of former presidents are handled by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The source disclosed, “Issues regarding the welfare and emoluments of former presidents and their vice presidents are domiciled in the SGF’s office. If you need information, it’s better to check there.”
However, some top government officials insist that the Presidential Villa would have answers, particularly if the reconstruction was captured in Buhari’s rift package.
In the 2023 budget, the federal government allocated N13.8 billion for the upkeep of former presidents, vice presidents, and other high-ranking retired officials.
A total of N2.3 billion was earmarked specifically for former presidents and vice presidents.
Since moving to Kaduna, Buhari has made several public appearances, including his Juma’at prayer at Yahaya Road Mosque, GRA.
He was sighted previous Friday, escorted by a heavily armed security convoy.
It could be recalled that the former president was accompanied to his Kaduna residence by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other high-profile dignitaries, including the Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, current and former deputy governors of Katsina State, the former Inspector-General of Police, former ministers and several personal aides.
Category: World-News
Tag: Reactions as Buhari Relocated to Multibillion Naira Presidential Palace In Kaduna
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Published 3/8/2025