Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a “deeply personal loss,” noting that the late Nigerian leader was not only his boss but also a mentor, pillar of support, and father figure.
In a heartfelt tribute issued on Monday, Mohammed recalled spending three nights with Buhari during his last visit to Daura, Katsina State, before the former president was flown abroad for medical treatment.
Naijaonpoint recalls that Buhari died on Sunday in a London clinic after a prolonged illness. He was 82.
Mohammed, in his statement, said, “Many have rightly described him in their tributes as a rare patriot, a man of unwavering faith and character, an incorruptible leader, a humble statesman, and the very epitome of honesty.
“But beyond those noble attributes, President Buhari was a true humanist, a man who constantly prioritised empathy, compassion and the well-being of others in all his actions.”
Mohammed, who served as the spokesman for the Buhari administration from 2015 to 2023, revealed how the late president consistently showed concern for him despite the pressures of office.
“Throughout the nearly eight years that I served as the spokesman for his government, he always asked after my well-being and how I was coping with the demands of the job, even though the burden he bore was infinitely heavier,” he noted.
He recalled a moment when Buhari publicly said, “I pity Lai Mohammed.” According to Mohammed, Buhari’s unwavering support was a source of strength in challenging times.
“In his eyes, I could do no wrong, and that unwavering support meant the world to me,” he said.
Mohammed also reflected on his continued relationship with the late leader after their time in government, recounting their last moments together.
He said, “Our special relationship transcended our time in office… During my last visit to Daura, I spent three nights with him.
“We also met in Kaduna during the last Ramadan. He wasn’t expected to receive visitors at the time, but he made out time for me. We spent many hours together, just the two of us. Little did I know it would be our last meeting on this side of the great divide.”
The former minister disclosed that he continued to monitor Buhari’s health after he was flown abroad, maintaining contact through his aides.
He described working with Buhari as a “privilege of a lifetime” and prayed for Allah’s mercy on his soul.
“I pray that Almighty God will forgive all his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May He also comfort his family and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this remarkable man,” he added.