Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that he became physically paralysed for several days after receiving news of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mohammed said the shock left him unable to move, describing it as one of the most emotionally challenging moments 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,” he said.
He explained that regaining his strength prompted deep reflection on Buhari’s leadership style and their long-standing working relationship. According to him, Buhari was a leader who never micromanaged his ministers and offered unwavering support.
“In the entire eight years, the president asked me for a favour only once. 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,” he recounted.
Mohammed noted that his association with Buhari dated back to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the former president as someone who rewarded loyalty with trust.
He also dismissed claims that Buhari was detached from the affairs of the nation.
“Many commentators have little understanding of how government works. Anyone who worked with Buhari would know he was always in touch, in charge, and on top of his game. Apart from when he was ill, he presided over Council meetings effectively. He had institutional memory and experience. To say he was disconnected is unfair,” he said.
Mohammed reflected on one of the most difficult periods during his tenure — the EndSARS protests — during which 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, adding that at one point, a family meeting was held where it was agreed he should resign.
He clarified that the push to resign had nothing to do with financial dissatisfaction, noting widespread misconceptions about ministerial earnings.
“In my time, no minister earned up to ₦900,000 a month. My total earnings were ₦860,000 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,” he stated.
Addressing accusations that he frequently lied while defending the government, Mohammed insisted his positions were based on logic and facts.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed described Buhari as “a good leader, mentor, and friend,” adding that the former president’s death motivated him to document the administration’s journey in his new book Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. The book highlights key decisions, crises, and communications that shaped Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
