No Evidence Buhari Stopped Julius Berger from Offering Bribes or Houses — Investigations Reveal
By Erewunmi Peace
Recent claims circulating online that former President Muhammadu Buhari stopped construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc from giving a 10% bribe or luxury houses to government officials have been found to be unverified and unsupported by credible evidence.
Although the narrative has sparked public interest, independent checks and official records do not indicate that such an event occurred during Buhari’s administration.
What Was Alleged?
Reports and social media posts allege that Julius Berger had plans to offer 10% commission (bribe) and houses to unnamed government officials, but that Buhari intervened and blocked the move as part of his anti-corruption drive.
However, no government publication, court document, or major Nigerian news outlet has verified this story. Neither Buhari’s media office nor Julius Berger has issued any public statement acknowledging or denying such an incident.
What the Records Actually Show
Julius Berger has faced scrutiny: The construction firm has been linked to past corruption investigations, particularly concerning projects under former administrations. Notably, in the early 2000s, the company was involved in international legal settlements over bribery in Nigeria.
Buhari’s administration did pursue anti-corruption reforms: Between 2015 and 2023, his government secured over 600 corruption convictions, implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and worked with global partners to recover looted funds.
But there is no documented case or credible report tying Buhari directly to the halting of bribes or houses from Julius Berger to public officials.
Experts Urge Caution on Unverified Claims
Media analysts and legal experts warn that such claims, while sensational, risk undermining public trust if not backed by facts.
“In the era of misinformation, it’s crucial that media platforms verify stories before amplifying them. Buhari’s administration had many controversial moments, but we must distinguish between verified action and political rumor,” said a Lagos-based political analyst.
Summary
While the Buhari administration is known for its anti-corruption stance, there is no public evidence or official confirmation that he personally stopped Julius Berger from offering bribes or houses to Nigerian officials. The public is urged to rely on credible sources and documented facts when evaluating such claims.
