Lai Mohammed Mourns Buhari: “I’ve Lost a Boss, Mentor, Father Figure”

DDM News

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a personal and emotional loss.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Buhari passed away in London on Sunday while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

The news, confirmed by official sources, has sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond.

A delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima has reportedly been dispatched to the United Kingdom to facilitate the return of Buhari’s remains to Nigeria.

In a personally signed tribute released on Monday, Lai Mohammed said Buhari was far more than a political leader to him, describing him as a mentor, a pillar of support, and a father figure whose influence shaped both his public service and personal life.

“For me, this is not just the death of a former leader,” he wrote. “I have lost a boss, a mentor, and someone who treated me like a son.”

Mohammed served as the government’s chief spokesperson throughout Buhari’s eight years in office from 2015 to 2023.

He recalled their close working relationship and the deep trust the late President placed in him, even during turbulent times in government.

He highlighted Buhari’s character, describing him as a rare patriot, a man of unwavering faith, humility, and integrity.

According to him, Buhari constantly demonstrated compassion and empathy, even as he bore the heavy responsibilities of leading a nation.

The former minister fondly remembered how the late president once publicly said, “I pity Lai Mohammed,” in recognition of the enormous demands his position placed on him.

“That moment summed up the kind of leader he was, empathetic and deeply human,” Mohammed added.

He also disclosed that their last personal interaction took place during Ramadan in Kaduna, when Buhari made time to see him despite not usually receiving visitors on that day.

“I didn’t know that would be the final time I would sit with him,” he wrote. “We spent many hours alone, reminiscing and sharing ideas.”

Mohammed said he continued to inquire about Buhari’s health through aides after the former president was flown to London, all the while praying for his recovery.

Reflecting on their enduring bond, he said he continued visiting Buhari even after he left office and had once spent three days with him in his hometown of Daura.

“I feel privileged to have known and worked closely with him,” Mohammed said.

He concluded his tribute with prayers for Buhari’s soul, asking Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace in Aljannah Firdaus.

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