Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has stated that the legacy of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, should not be questioned based on corruption allegations currently facing a few individuals who served in his administration.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Mohammed responded to questions surrounding accusations of corruption leveled against some former ministers under the Buhari government. He cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions or passing judgment, particularly while such matters are still before the courts.
According to the former minister, it would be inappropriate and unfair to assess the entire administration of President Buhari through the lens of allegations involving a limited number of officials. He emphasized that legal processes must be allowed to run their course without prejudice or premature conclusions.
Mohammed stressed that Buhari’s legacy is far-reaching and deeply rooted in the country’s political history, arguing that it cannot be diminished by isolated cases that are yet to be proven. He explained that the former president’s contributions to governance, national security, and public service reforms remain significant and enduring.
“I say this with every sense of humility,” Mohammed noted, “the achievements and impact of President Buhari are far too extensive for his entire legacy to be placed on trial because of allegations against a few former ministers. These are allegations, and that distinction is very important.”
He also addressed speculation about strained relations between the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and officials who served under Buhari. Mohammed dismissed such claims, stating that there is no hostility or deliberate distancing from former ministers of the previous government.
According to him, while every new administration has the right to set its own agenda and adjust policy priorities, this does not imply a rejection or abandonment of the work done by its predecessor. Rather, governance is a continuum that allows for review, refinement, and redirection where necessary.
In his view, the Tinubu administration’s policy adjustments should be seen as part of a natural transition process, not as a repudiation of Buhari’s government or those who served under it.
Mohammed concluded by urging Nigerians to separate individual accountability from collective judgment and to allow the judicial system to determine the truth behind ongoing allegations, while preserving a balanced assessment of Buhari’s overall legacy.
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