Former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has stated that the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari is a deeply personal loss, describing him as a mentor, pillar of support, and father figure.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mohammed said Buhari’s passing marked the end of a relationship built on trust, compassion, and shared commitment to national service.
His words: “The death of former president Muhammadu Buhari is a deeply personal loss for me, because with his passing I have lost not just a leader and a boss but a mentor, pillar of support and father figure.
“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.”
The former minister said that throughout his time as the spokesman for Buhari’s administration, the late president regularly showed concern for his personal welfare.
“Even though the burden he bore was infinitely heavier, he always asked after my well-being and how I was coping with the demands of the job,” he said.
Mohammed said the support and confidence Buhari placed in him gave him strength during difficult periods in office.
“In his eyes, I could do no wrong, and that unwavering support meant the world to me,” he said.
He said his relationship with Buhari extended beyond their time in government, recalling a personal visit to Daura after Buhari left office.
“Our special relationship transcended our time in office, as I made sure I kept in touch with him after he left Abuja, and during my last visit to Daura, I spent three nights with him,” he said.
He also recounted their last meeting during the last Ramadan in Kaduna, saying the former president made time for him despite not taking visitors that day.
Mohammed said he continued to check on Buhari’s health through his aides after he was flown to London for treatment and prayed for his recovery.
He described working with the former president as a privilege and prayed for the forgiveness of his shortcomings.
“I pray that Almighty God will forgive all his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he said.
