Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a reluctant politician who chose governance over personal comfort.
In an interview with Channels Television, Mohammed reflected on her time working with Buhari, notably during her tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016. She revealed that Buhari was not naturally drawn to the world of politics, but embraced the responsibility of leadership with deep commitment.
“He was very uncomfortable with politics,” she said, “but he put his discomfort aside for the sake of service and governance.”
Mohammed recounted a pivotal moment in her career when Buhari played an influential role in her decision to take up the role of Deputy Secretary-General at the United Nations.
She recalled a meeting at a climate summit in Marrakesh, Morocco, where Ban Ki-moon, the then UN Secretary-General, hinted at her potential appointment.
“We were sitting in a meeting in Marrakesh at a climate conference when Ban Ki-moon came over and said, ‘We think the new Secretary-General is going to ask you to come and be his deputy.’ And I said, ‘No, that’s not possible. I’ve come home and I’m serving my country.’”
Mohammed then approached Buhari to seek his support in turning down the possible offer. But his response surprised her.
“I had a discussion with him to say I really needed his support and that if they came to ask, he shouldn’t say yes,” she said. “But he replied, ‘Of course not. We need all our people back here in the team to serve Nigeria. We need the best.’”
Despite his initial resistance, Buhari would later offer his full support when the request became official, advising her to accept the offer in service of the world and Nigeria.
The late president’s willingness to support her elevation to a global role, Mohammed said, reflected his belief in merit and his unrelenting commitment to Nigeria’s place on the world stage.
Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, was buried in his hometown, Daura, on Tuesday.
