The Martin Luther King Jr Centre has denied honouring President Muhamamdu Buhari with a leadership and anti-corruption award.
The Presidency had earlier in the week stated that Mr Buhari was conferred with the “Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award” for 2018 by the Martin Luther King Jnr’s family.
The award was said to be part of the King’s family activities marking the Black History Month.
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President @MBuhari today at the State House received Martin Luther King Jnr’s family. He was also conferred with the 1st Black History Month National Black Excellence and Exceptional African Leadership Award 2018. #AsoVillaToday pic.twitter.com/vijPkeZPZ4
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) March 26, 2018
According to the Presidency, the family of the late civil rights activist, led by nephew, Isaac Newton-Farris, met with President Buhari, on Monday, at the State House, after which the Nigerian leader was presented with the award.
But following request from some Nigerians, the King Centre, which is the official living memorial to Martin Luther King, distanced itself from the award.
The award given to President Buhari of Nigeria was not given by The King Center, at the request of The King Center or by the children of #MLK and #CorettaScottKing. @MrFixNigeria
— The King Center (@TheKingCenter) March 28, 2018