Lai Mohammed Reveals How Buhari Chose Him to be Minister

 

Lai Mohammed 

The former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed revealed that his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was due to years of trust, shared convictions, loyalty, and service. Mohammed explained that his relationship with Buhari began in 2012 when he requested Buhari to write the foreword for his book, "Witness to History". Buhari agreed and even attended the book launch.

Mohammed was personally appointed to the Ahmed Joda-led Transition Committee in April 2015, despite not being part of the initial list. He recalled the phone call from Buhari, where he was asked to attend the committee's inaugural meeting in Abuja. 

This marked the beginning of a cordial and special relationship between them, lasting until Buhari's death in July 2025.

READ ALSO: Chimamanda Adichie Accuses Lagos Hospital of Criminal Negligence in Son's Death

Mohammed described the phone call that resulted in him being offered the appointment, “‘Hello,’ the voice on the line said. ‘Is this Alhaji Lai Mohammed?’ I answered in the affirmative. ‘Hold on for Mr President,’ the voice said. “Then another voice, apparently that of the President-elect, came on the line and asked: ‘Lai, where are you?’

“‘Your Excellency, I am in Lagos.’

“‘What are you doing in Lagos?’ he asked.

“‘I live in Lagos, Your Excellency,’ I replied.

“He then went straight to the reason for the call: ‘Are you not coming for the inaugural meeting of the Transition Committee in Abuja tomorrow?’

“I replied, ‘Your Excellency, I am not a member of the committee.’ He then said, ‘Ok, Tunde (Sabiu, his longtime personal assistant) will call you,’ and he hung up.

Mohammed served as minister for nearly eight years, witnessing Buhari's dedication to discipline, integrity, and national service. He attributes his appointment to Buhari's confidence in him, citing instances where he was asked to assist presidential spokesmen ahead of key events.