Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has revealed that he was physically immobilised for several days after learning of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mohammed described the moment as one of the most emotionally devastating experiences of his life.

“I was paralysed for days when I heard about the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. When I recovered, I decided to dedicate a whole chapter to him in the book,” he said.

He explained that, upon regaining his strength, he began reflecting deeply on Buhari’s leadership style and the years they spent working together in government.

According to Mohammed, Buhari was a leader who empowered his ministers rather than micromanaging them, recalling that throughout his eight-year administration, the president requested a personal favour only once.

“He once called to ask if I could deliver a paper on his behalf at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. I agreed, and I did it gladly,” he added.

Mohammed noted that their relationship stretched back to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing Buhari as a leader who rewarded loyalty and trust. He dismissed widespread claims that the former president was detached from his administration.

“Anyone who worked with Buhari would know 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 and had strong institutional memory,” he said.

The former minister also recounted one of the most difficult periods of his tenure — the EndSARS protests — during which public hostility extended to his family.

“My wife and children were bullied online and offline. Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them,” he said.

He revealed that the situation escalated to the point where his family held a meeting and agreed that he should resign. Mohammed stressed that the desire to step down was not related to money, clarifying misconceptions about ministerial remuneration.

“People talk about benefits from office and I laugh. No minister earned up to ₦900,000 a month. My total earnings were ₦860,000, including feeding and housing allowances,” he said. “It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume becoming a minister solves all your problems.”

Responding to accusations that he frequently lied while defending the administration, Mohammed insisted that his statements were guided by facts and national interest.

“You may not agree with my position, but it is difficult to fault my logic or my facts. Many accuse me simply because I was loyal to the president. As Minister of Information, you must consider national security and national cohesion,” he stated.

He described Buhari as “a good leader, mentor and friend,” noting that the former president’s death inspired him to write Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration. The book documents the major decisions, crises, and communication battles that shaped Buhari’s time in office.