Buhari’s integrity, compassion defined his leadership — Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has lauded former President Muhammadu Buhari, characterizing him as a leader distinguished by his unwavering integrity, patriotism, and humility. Speaking at an event commemorating the first anniversary of Buhari's passing in Abuja, Mohammed emphasized that Buhari's most significant legacy was not the multitude of public offices he held, but the enduring values he embodied.

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President Buhari’s life was defined not merely by the many positions he occupied but by the values he represented. Beyond his impressive military and political credentials were the qualities that truly distinguished him: his unwavering patriotism, unquestionable integrity, disarming humility, honesty and, above all, his profound humanity.

Mohammed, who served as the spokesman for the Buhari administration for nearly eight years, reflected on his close working relationship with the former president. He stated that Buhari consistently demonstrated "uncommon confidence" in him, even during sensitive national assignments. "President Buhari’s life was defined not merely by the many positions he occupied but by the values he represented," Mohammed said. "Beyond his impressive military and political credentials were the qualities that truly distinguished him: his unwavering patriotism, unquestionable integrity, disarming humility, honesty and, above all, his profound humanity."

The former minister recounted Buhari's extensive career, spanning from platoon commander to Head of State and eventually a two-term president. He highlighted Buhari's trust in his aides as a defining characteristic. As an example, Mohammed cited Buhari's immediate approval of a high-risk media tour of communities liberated from Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State shortly after assuming office in 2015. Despite being abroad and lacking prior briefing, Buhari authorized the mission, demonstrating his confidence in his team.

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It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to have worked so closely with him. He trusted those who served him, cared deeply about their welfare and led by personal example. Those are qualities that will remain his enduring legacy.

Mohammed described working closely with Buhari as "one of the greatest privileges" of his life. He noted that Buhari trusted those who served him, cared deeply about their welfare, and led by personal example. These qualities, Mohammed asserted, will remain Buhari's "enduring legacy."

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The President approved the operation immediately without hesitation. Journalists were flown aboard a C-130 military aircraft from Abuja to Maiduguri before proceeding under heavy military escort and air cover to Bama, once declared by Boko Haram as the headquarters of its self-proclaimed caliphate.