“I Was Paralysed for Days When I Heard About Buhari’s Death” — Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that the news of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death left him physically paralysed for days, describing it as one of the most difficult personal experiences of his life.

“I was paralysed for days when I heard about the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. When I recovered, I decided to dedicate a whole chapter to him in the book,” Mohammed said, reflecting on the moment that prompted him to document Buhari’s leadership in his publication *Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration*.

Mohammed praised Buhari as a leader who offered full support to his ministers without micromanaging them. “In the entire eight years, the president asked me for a favour only once,” he recalled. “He called and asked if I could deliver a paper on his behalf at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. I agreed, and I did it gladly.”

Highlighting their long association dating back to the formation of the All Progressives Congress, Mohammed described Buhari as a leader who valued loyalty and trusted his team. He also defended the late president against claims of being detached from national affairs, saying, “Many commentators have little understanding of how government works. Anyone who worked with Buhari would know that he was always in touch, in charge, and on top of his game.”

Mohammed recounted that even during periods of illness, Buhari presided over council meetings effectively, bringing his institutional memory and prior leadership experience to bear. “To say he was disconnected is unfair,” he added.

Reflecting on his own tenure, Mohammed said one of his most challenging times as minister came during the EndSARS protests, when public criticism extended to his family. “My wife and children were bullied online and offline. Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them,” he said. A family meeting eventually led to his decision to resign, which he clarified was not financially motivated. “People talk about benefits from office and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up N900,000 a month. My total earnings were N860,000 including feeding and housing allowances,” he explained.

Addressing accusations that he frequently lied in defence of the government, Mohammed maintained, “You may not agree with my position, but it is difficult to fault my logic or my facts. Many accuse me simply because I was loyal to the president. As Minister of Information, you must consider national security and national cohesion.”

Mohammed described Buhari as “a good leader, mentor and friend” and said his passing inspired him to capture critical moments, decisions, crises, and communication battles that defined the former president’s tenure.