I Was Paralysed Over Buhari’s Death: Lai Mohammed
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Former Minister of Information and Culture, has disclosed that he became physically paralysed for days after receiving the news of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s death.
He said the shock of the announcement left him unable to move, describing it as one of the most difficult personal moments he had faced.
According to Mohammed, “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 his recovery marked the point at which he reflected on Buhari’s leadership and their years of working together.
He described Buhari as a leader who did not micromanage ministers but provided full support, recalling that “In the entire eight years, the president asked me for a favour only once.”
Mohammed added, “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 said 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 also rejected claims that the former president was detached from national affairs. He said, “Many commentators have little understanding of how government works.”
He added, “Anyone who worked with Buhari would know that he was always in touch, in charge and on top of his game.
He said, “Apart from when he was ill, he presided over Council meetings effectively.
He had institutional memory and experience from his prior leadership roles.” He emphasised, “To say he was disconnected is unfair.”
Mohammed disclosed that one of his most challenging periods as minister occurred during the EndSARS protests, when public criticism extended to his family. He said, “My wife and children were bullied online and offline.”
He added, “Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them.”
He explained that a family meeting was held, and it was agreed he should resign.
He also clarified that the desire to resign was not influenced by financial considerations. He said, “People talk about benefits from office and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up N900,000 a month.”
He added, “My total earnings were N860,000 including feeding and housing allowances.” He said, “It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems.”
Mohammed addressed accusations that he lied frequently in defence of the government. He said, “You may not agree with my position, but it is difficult to fault my logic or my facts.”
He added, “Many accuse me simply because I was loyal to the president. As Minister of Information, you must consider national security and national cohesion.”
He described Buhari as “a good leader, mentor and friend” and said his death compelled him to document the administration in his book Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. Mohammed explained that the publication captures critical moments, decisions, crises, and communication battles that shaped Buhari’s tenure.
