Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the former Minister of Information and Culture, has opened up about the immense pressure he faced during his tenure, revealing that he came very close to resigning. Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the official launch of his new book, “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,” Mohammed looked back on his eight-year journey under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a period marked by intense challenges and difficult decisions.
During the event, the former minister admitted that there was a specific moment during his time in the cabinet when the weight of the office almost led him to step down. He explained that his decision to stay and eventually document his experiences was fueled by a sense of responsibility to preserve an accurate historical record. According to Mohammed, being at the center of government communication for nearly a decade allowed him to see firsthand how facts were often overshadowed by misinformation.
The book offers a rare insider’s perspective on how the previous administration managed crises and shaped its public narrative.Mohammed emphasized that Africans must be the ones to tell their own stories, rather than leaving their history to be distorted by others. He noted that the publication serves to provide much-needed context and correct many of the long-standing misconceptions that characterized the public’s view of the Buhari presidency.
Reflecting on the book, former presidential spokesperson Segun Adeniyi observed that Mohammed handled several high-profile controversies, such as the #EndSARS protests and the Twitter suspension, with a defensive tone that mirrors a legal brief. Meanwhile, the current Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised his predecessor for his resilience. He noted that Mohammed was undoubtedly one of the most criticized officials in recent history simply because of his unwavering commitment to defending government policies.
The event also featured a poignant moment from Halima Buhari, daughter of the late former president, who represented the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari. She dismissed the notion that her father was out of touch with public opinion, stating clearly that the late leader was fully aware of the criticisms leveled against his government. According to her, he paid attention to both the disappointment voiced by critics and the appreciation shown by his supporters throughout his time in office.
