Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who previously served as the Minister of Information and Culture, characterized the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as an honest, kind, and devoted leader. He shared these sentiments in Abuja during a memorial service held to observe the first anniversary of the former leader’s death.
A document provided by Nnamdi Atupulazi, an official from the Lai Mohammed Media Office, highlighted that Buhari’s leadership was marked by his integrity and his habit of placing deep trust in his staff. Mohammed noted that Buhari’s professional life included both military service and two terms as a democratically elected president.
During his tenure as the administration’s spokesman, Mohammed recounted how Buhari often inquired about his well-being. He specifically mentioned that in 2015, Buhari quickly authorized a media visit to reclaimed areas in Borno, an act that showcased his reliance on his subordinates. Furthermore, Mohammed noted that Buhari once dismissed a petition against him after a private probe confirmed his innocence.
Mohammed described the late president as a man who valued Nigeria’s unity above all else. He challenged the common perception of Buhari as purely stern, noting that he was frequently humorous, humble, and approachable in private. He illustrated this through Buhari’s supportive relationship with figures such as General Yakubu Gowon.
The former president passed away on July 13, 2025, at 82 years old in a London medical facility. He was laid to rest two days later in Daura, Katsina State, in a ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and other high-ranking officials.
