Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has described late former President Muhammadu Buhari as an exceptional patriot, an incorruptible leader and a compassionate humanist whose enduring legacy transcends his distinguished military and political careers.
Mr Mohammed made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Strategic Communication, Lai Mohammed Media Office, Nnamdi Atupulazi, to commemorate the first anniversary of Buhari’s passing.
The former minister said Buhari’s life was defined not only by the many public offices he occupied but, more importantly, by his integrity, humility, patriotism, humanity and absolute trust in those who served with him.
He said Buhari’s public service career was unmatched, having served at virtually every level of military command, from Platoon Commander to General Officer Commanding, before occupying key national positions as Military Governor, Federal Commissioner, Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, member of the Supreme Military Council, Military Head of State, Executive Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, serial presidential candidate and ultimately a two-term democratically elected president.
According to Mr Mohammed, beyond those impressive credentials were the qualities that truly distinguished Buhari, including his unwavering patriotism, unquestionable integrity, humility, honesty and profound humanity.
He recalled that throughout the nearly eight years he served as spokesman for the Buhari administration, the late president consistently demonstrated genuine concern for his well-being despite carrying the enormous responsibility of leading the nation.
Mr Mohammed said Mr Buhari regularly asked how he was coping with the demands of the office and once publicly remarked, “I pity Lai Mohammed,” a statement he described as evidence of the former president’s empathy and concern for others.
The former minister identified trust as one of Buhari’s defining leadership qualities and cited several instances to illustrate the confidence the late president reposed in him.
He recalled a high-risk media tour of liberated communities in Borno State in 2015, organised to demonstrate to local and international journalists that Boko Haram had been driven out of territories it once occupied.
Mr Mohammed said although the then Minister of Defence insisted that the operation required the approval of the Commander-in-Chief because of the extensive deployment of military personnel and equipment, Buhari, who was attending an international summit in South Africa, approved the mission immediately without hesitation despite not having been briefed beforehand.
He said the mission took journalists aboard a C-130 military aircraft from Abuja to Maiduguri before proceeding under heavy military escort and air cover to Bama, formerly proclaimed by Boko Haram as the headquarters of its self-declared caliphate.
Mr Mohammed described the approval as one of the greatest demonstrations of confidence a leader could repose in a subordinate.
He also recalled how Buhari dismissed allegations contained in a petition submitted against him.
According to him, although the president directed that the allegations be discreetly investigated in line with due process, he made it clear from the outset that he did not believe the claims, while the investigation eventually exonerated him completely.
The former minister further recalled that Buhari defended him during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council after a cabinet colleague questioned whether enough was being done to publicise the administration’s achievements.
He said Buhari informed the council that he had personally watched his international media engagements, which caused him to miss the meeting, and affirmed that he was effectively communicating the government’s accomplishments to global audiences.
Mr Mohammed described Buhari as a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s unity, recalling his frontline role during the Nigerian Civil War and his enduring conviction that the country must remain one indivisible nation.
He quoted Buhari’s declaration upon assuming office as Military Head of State in January 1984 that: “This generation of Nigerians, and indeed future generations, have no other country than Nigeria. We shall remain here and salvage it together.”
According to him, Mr Buhari consistently reaffirmed that philosophy throughout his years in democratic office while confronting contemporary national challenges.
He also highlighted Buhari’s role in crushing the Maitatsine uprising in 1980 and his unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
Mr Mohammed said contrary to the popular perception of Buhari as a stern military officer, the late president possessed a warm personality, remarkable humility and an engaging sense of humour.
He recalled an occasion when Buhari telephoned him while he was in Lagos and politely asked whether he could “do me a favour” by representing him at an event at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs instead of issuing a direct presidential instruction.
He also shared humorous moments from political strategy meetings ahead of the 2015 general elections, where Buhari jokingly teased him over his routine Monday and Thursday fasting, drawing laughter from those present.
Mr Mohammed further revealed that Buhari once explained why critics nicknamed him “Baba Go-Slow”, saying experience had taught him the importance of patience, fairness and thoroughness in governance after the lessons he learnt as military Head of State.
He also cited an account by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who recalled in his memoir that Buhari quietly came to his financial assistance years after he was overthrown when he encountered difficulties paying his children’s school fees.
Mr Mohammed recalled that although he had admired Buhari for many years, they became personally close after he joined the Federal Executive Council in 2015.
He said Buhari graciously agreed to write the foreword to his book, Witness to History, and was the first guest to arrive at its launch in Lagos, waiting patiently for more than an hour before the programme commenced.
According to him, their relationship continued after Buhari left office through regular visits to the former president’s residences in Daura and Kaduna.
Mr Mohammed described it as one of the greatest privileges of his life to have worked closely with Buhari, saying the late president’s enduring legacy of integrity, patriotism, humility, compassion and selfless service would continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians.
He prayed for Allah to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus, comfort his family and continue to bless Nigeria with peace, unity and prosperity.
