Former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed has shared his personal experience following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an interview with AIT ahead of the launch of his new book, Mr Mohammed said Buhari’s death left him paralysed for several days.
He explained that he later decided to dedicate a chapter of the book to the former president.
He said, “It is the first posthumous birthday of President Buhari. If he were to be alive, he would have been 83 that day. When he died, I was paralysed for days. When I recovered, I decided to dedicate a whole chapter to him in the book.”
Mohammed said he began writing the book in June, about a month before Buhari’s death and it will be dedicated on December 17 in Buhari’s honour.
He recalled that during his eight years in office under Buhari, the former president provided support needed for him to carry out his duties.
He stated, “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.”
Lai Mohammed also addressed public perceptions that Buhari was unaware of government affairs.
He said Buhari maintained oversight of meetings and coordinated governance effectively, drawing on experience from previous leadership roles.
He said, “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. Apart from when he was ill, he presided over Council meetings effectively. He had institutional memory and experience from his prior leadership roles. To say he was disconnected is unfair.”
