Former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has revealed that the announcement of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death left him unable to move for days. He described the moment as a profound personal shock that overwhelmed him physically and emotionally.
Mohammed explained that when he eventually regained strength, he chose to dedicate an entire chapter of his new book to Buhari. He said this decision flowed from deep reflection on their years of political partnership and Buhari’s leadership style.
He portrayed Buhari as a leader who trusted his ministers completely rather than micromanaging them. Mohammed recalled that in eight years, Buhari asked him for only one favour: to present a paper on his behalf at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, a task he said he carried out without hesitation.
He traced their relationship back to the formation of the All Progressives Congress and described Buhari as a leader who repaid loyalty with confidence. Mohammed dismissed the notion that Buhari was detached from national affairs, insisting that those who advanced such claims misunderstood the workings of government. He said Buhari was consistently informed, decisive, and in command, except during periods of ill health. According to him, the former president chaired Federal Executive Council meetings effectively and brought considerable institutional memory to decision making.
Mohammed also spoke about the most difficult phase of his ministerial career during the EndSARS protests. He said public anger spilled over to his family, with his wife and children facing harassment both online and in person. Their businesses were boycotted, and a family meeting eventually led to an agreement that he should consider resigning.
He rejected assumptions that serving in government brought significant financial gain. He said his total monthly earnings as minister, including allowances, amounted to ₦860,000. He added that public office is a privilege but not a solution to personal problems.
Addressing accusations that he frequently distorted facts, Mohammed insisted that while people may have disagreed with his positions, his arguments were grounded in logic and evidence. He said much of the criticism stemmed from his loyalty to the administration and the demands of safeguarding national cohesion.
He described Buhari as a mentor and friend whose passing motivated him to document the administration through his new book, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. He said the work captures decisive moments, crises, and communication battles that shaped Buhari’s presidency and his own role within it.
