Former Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed says late President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership was defined by integrity, compassion, humility, patriotism and humanity. Speaking in Abuja at an event marking the first anniversary of Buhari’s death, Mohammed said Buhari’s legacy goes beyond the high offices he held and instead lies in the values he demonstrated throughout decades of public service. Mohammed, who served as spokesman for the Buhari administration for nearly eight years, described Buhari as trusting of his subordinates and attentive to the welfare of those who worked with him, presenting his personal example of leadership as a key feature.
He recounted events he said illustrated Buhari’s approach, including the swift approval of a high-risk media tour to Boko Haram-liberated communities in Borno State in 2015 and Buhari’s handling of petitions filed against him. Mohammed also referred to Buhari defending his performance during a Federal Executive Council meeting. He described Buhari as a committed nationalist, citing Buhari’s 1984 statement that Nigerians have no other country than Nigeria. Mohammed also characterized Buhari as having a gentle disposition and sense of humour, including moments about fasting, and ended by describing Buhari’s enduring legacy and offering prayers for his soul.
