President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, calling him a military officer with democratic credentials whose leadership had an indelible impact on Nigeria’s political evolution and Africa’s liberation struggles.
The president addressed the 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference. On Thursday, which was conducted in honor of the late leader.
Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that Muhammed had “democratic blood in his veins.”
He complimented Muhammed for putting in place a transition program to return Nigeria to presidential democracy during his brief reign.
Dewan Goshit, Head of the Information and Public Relations Department, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, issued a statement on Thursday that was uploaded on the Office’s X account.
“He (late General Muhammed) was not just a Nigerian; he was a man who loved his country deeply.
“He took on corruption headlong and fought it with all the skills and talents given to him by God,” Tinubu said, adding that the anti-corruption initiatives he began remain respected and remembered by Nigerians.
The president also emphasized Muhammed’s dedication to African emancipation, noting Nigeria’s pivotal involvement in liberation struggles in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau, and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Murtala Foundation’s Board of Trustees and former President, remarked that one of the late Head of State’s legacies was to groom a successor, noting that most presidents fail to train those who will follow them.
He went on to say that Muhammed’s influence on his life prepared him to carry on his legacy of transforming Nigeria into a presidential democracy.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated in his speech that the “Africa coming of age,” as championed by Muhammed, is taking shape as many African countries transition from importers to exporters with the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
He went on to remark that Africa is also at the forefront of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the production of goods and services, and that with strong leadership, the continent will be able to compete.
Mrs. Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi, praised the late general as her idol and a great son of Africa whose entire life was dedicated to selfless service to his people rather than personal enrichment.
She also stated that his Pan-Africanist ideals contributed to the freedom of several African countries.
General Muhammed took control in a bloodless coup in July 1975, deposing General Yakubu Gowon.
He was killed on February 13, 1976, just six months after taking office as Nigeria’s Head of State.
During his brief 200-day reign, Muhammed carried out massive reforms, including the removal of nearly 10,000 public officials suspected of corruption, the establishment of seven new states, and plans for a transition to civilian administration.
His administration also began the process of relocating Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
