A former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has paid glowing tribute to late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as an exceptional patriot, an incorruptible leader and a compassionate humanist whose enduring legacy transcends his distinguished military and political careers.
A statement Tuesday by Head of Strategic Communication Lai Mohammed Media Office,Nnamdi Atupulazi , noted that he stated this while speaking in Abuja on Monday, during a programme of tributes to commemorate the first anniversary of Buhari’s passing.
Alhaji Mohammed said the late President’s life was defined not only by the many high offices he occupied but, more importantly, by his integrity, humility, patriotism, humanity and absolute trust in those who served with him.
Reflecting on Buhari’s remarkable public service career, he said few Nigerians had combined such extensive military and political experience, having served at virtually every level of military command, from Platoon Commander to General Officer Commanding, before holding key national positions as Military Governor, Federal Commissioner (Minister), NNPC Chairman, 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.
“But beyond these impressive credentials were the qualities that truly distinguished him: his unwavering patriotism, unquestionable integrity, disarming humility, honesty and, above all, his profound humanity,” he said.
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 burden of leading the nation.
He noted that Buhari would regularly ask how he was coping with the demands of the job and once publicly remarked, “I pity Lai Mohammed,” a statement he said reflected the former President’s empathy and concern for others.
Alhaji Mohammed identified trust as one of Buhari’sdefining leadership qualities and cited several incidents to illustrate the confidence the late President reposed in him.
One such instance involved a high-risk media tour of liberated communities in Borno State, organised in 2015 to demonstrate to both local and international journalists that Boko Haram had been driven out of territories it once occupied.
According to him, after the Minister of Defence insisted that the mission required the approval of the Commander-in-Chief because of the extensive deployment of military personnel and equipment, Buhari, who was then attending an international summit in South Africa, approved the operation immediately without hesitation, despite not having been briefed beforehand.
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.
Alhaji Mohammed described the approval as one of the greatest demonstrations of confidence a leader could repose in a subordinate.
He also recounted how Buhari quietly dismissed allegations contained in a petition submitted against him.
According to him, although the President directed that the allegations be discreetly investigated in keeping with due process, he made it clear from the outset that he did not believe the claims. The investigation eventually exonerated him completely.
In another example, the former government spokesman said 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.
According to him, the President informed the Council that he had personally watched his international media engagements, which made him to miss the council meeting, and affirmed that he (the minister) was effectively communicating the government’s accomplishments to global audiences.
Alhaji 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 famous declaration upon assuming office as Military Head of State in January 1984, in which he said: “This generation of Nigerians, and indeed future generations, have no other country than Nigeria. We shall remain here and salvage it together.”
He said the former President consistently reaffirmed that philosophy throughout his years in democratic office while confronting contemporary national challenges.
The former minister also highlighted Buhari’s decisive role in crushing the Maitatsine uprising in 1980 and his unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.
Contrary to the popular perception of Buhari as a stern military officer, he said the former 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.
Alhaji Mohammed also shared humorous moments from political strategy meetings held in Kaduna before the 2015 general elections, where Buhari jokingly teased him over his routine Monday and Thursday fasts, asking how many people he had killed that he was atoning for with his marathon fasts and drawing laughter from everyone present.
He further revealed that Buhari once explained why critics had nicknamed him “Baba Go-Slow,” saying experience had taught him the importance of patience, fairness and thoroughness in governance after the lessons he learned as military Head of State.