The moment he nearly quit the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to former Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, was the hardest choice he had to make.
According to reports, Mohammed revealed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the publication of his book, “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration.”
He clarified that the book provided an intimate look at the creation, defense, and dissemination of Buhari government narratives, frequently in the face of crises, false information, and heavy public scrutiny.
“The toughest decision I took as minister was at a moment when I almost resigned,” he added, emphasizing that he had a duty to maintain an accurate historical record and dispel long-standing myths because of his extended access to government decision-making.
Lia Mohammed claims that his conviction that Africans must share their own tales or face having their histories misrepresented motivated him to write about his experience.
He stated that the newsletter was created to give background information, dispel myths, and share personal observations from his years in government.
“I was at the center of government communication, crisis management, national orientation, culture, and tourism,” he emphasized for nearly eight years. I observed how choices were made and how facts were frequently obscured by false information.
Former presidential spokesperson Segun Adeniyi reviewed the book and pointed out that several contentious topics, like the Twitter ban and the #EndSARS demonstrations, were handled more like legal briefs than fair historical accounts.
Speaking as well, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, praised Lai Mohammed’s efforts and called him one of the Buhari administration’s most criticized ministers due to his defense of government policies.
Halima, the late former president Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, added that her father was fully aware of the accusations directed at his administration throughout his tenure.
“He heard both the disappointment of critics and the appreciation of supporters,” stated Halima, who represented former First Lady Aisha Buhari.
