Buhari’s Death News Got Me Paralyzed for a Week – Lai Mohammed
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that he became physically paralysed for several days upon hearing of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death.
He described the shock as one of the most difficult personal moments he had ever faced.
“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.
He explained that his recovery marked a period of reflection on Buhari’s leadership and their years of working together.
Mohammed described Buhari as a leader who did not micromanage his ministers but offered full support. “In the entire eight years, the president asked me for a favour only once,” he recalled.
Mohammed said Buhari requested him to deliver a paper on his behalf at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, a task he accepted gladly.
He noted that their long association dated back to the formation of the All Progressives Congress and described Buhari as a leader who rewarded loyalty with trust.
Mohammed rejected claims that Buhari was 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.”
He added that apart from periods of illness, Buhari presided over Council meetings effectively, leveraging his institutional memory and prior leadership experience. “To say he was disconnected is unfair,” Mohammed emphasised.
The former minister also reflected on his most challenging period in office 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 led to the decision that he should resign. Mohammed clarified that the choice was not financially motivated, adding, “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. It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems.”
Addressing accusations that he frequently lied in defence of the government, Mohammed said, “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 death inspired him to document the administration in his book Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration.
He explained that the publication captures critical moments, decisions, crises, and communication battles that shaped Buhari’s tenure.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
