Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has dismissed widespread assumptions that ministers under former President Muhammadu Buhari amassed significant wealth, insisting that his monthly earnings in office were only N860,000, including allowances.
Mohammed made the disclosure while reflecting on his experience in Buhari’s cabinet and addressing persistent public criticisms, particularly claims that he benefitted unduly from political office.
“People talk about benefits from office and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up to N900,000 a month,” he said.
“My total earnings were N860,000, including feeding and housing allowances.”
The former minister said many Nigerians incorrectly assume that becoming a minister automatically transforms one’s financial status.
“It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems,” he stated.
Mohammed, who served as Buhari’s chief spokesperson, also defended the late president against allegations that he was detached from governance.
He argued that those who worked closely with Buhari knew him as an attentive and decisive leader.
“Many commentators have little understanding of how government works,” he said.
“Anyone who worked with Buhari would know that he was always in touch, in charge, and on top of his game.”
He added that aside from periods when Buhari was ill, the former president presided over Federal Executive Council meetings with “institutional memory and clarity,” insisting it was unfair to describe him as disconnected.
Mohammed described the EndSARS crisis as one of the most difficult periods of his public life, revealing that the outrage directed at him extended to his wife and children.
“My wife and children were bullied online and offline,” he said.
“Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them.”
According to him, the situation escalated to the point where his family held a meeting and strongly advised him to resign from office.
Responding to criticisms that he frequently peddled misinformation to defend government positions, Mohammed maintained that he never distorted facts.
“You may not agree with my position, but it is difficult to fault my logic or my facts,” he argued.
“Many accuse me simply because I was loyal to the president. As Minister of Information, you must consider national security and national cohesion.”
Mohammed said the death of the former president prompted him to document major events of the administration in his book, “Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration.”
The book captures key policy decisions, crises, and communication battles that shaped Buhari’s eight years in office.
“President Buhari was a good leader, mentor and friend,” he said, noting that the book preserves behind-the-scenes moments that may otherwise be forgotten.
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