President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, describing him as a military officer with democratic credentials whose leadership reshaped Nigeria’s political journey and strengthened Africa’s liberation movements.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference held in honour of the late leader.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President said Muhammed had “democratic blood in his veins.”
He praised the late Head of State for initiating a transition programme during his brief tenure to return Nigeria to presidential democracy.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dewan Goshit, Tinubu described Muhammed as a patriotic leader who confronted corruption directly.
“He 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,” the President said.
Tinubu added that the anti-corruption initiatives introduced by Muhammed remain respected and remembered by Nigerians.
The President also highlighted Muhammed’s commitment to Africa’s emancipation. He recalled Nigeria’s frontline role in supporting liberation movements in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Guinea-Bissau, as well as efforts to dismantle apartheid in South Africa.
At the event, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Foundation and former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, said one of Muhammed’s enduring legacies was grooming a successor.
Obasanjo noted that many leaders fail to prepare those who will take over from them. He said Muhammed’s mentorship influenced him to sustain the legacy of transferring power to a presidential democracy.
Also speaking, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the vision of “Africa coming of age,” championed by Muhammed, is gradually becoming reality.
He pointed to the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major step in transforming African countries from importers to exporters. Osinbajo added that Africa is leading in entrepreneurship, innovation and manufacturing, stressing that good leadership will enable the continent to compete globally.
Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, described Muhammed as her hero and a distinguished son of Africa. She said his life was defined by selfless service and Pan-African ideals that contributed to the liberation of several African nations.
Muhammed seized power in a bloodless coup in July 1975, ousting Yakubu Gowon.
However, he was assassinated on February 13, 1976, barely six months after assuming office.
During his 200-day tenure, Muhammed introduced sweeping reforms. He dismissed more than 10,000 public officials accused of corruption, created seven new states and began plans for a transition to civilian rule.
His administration also initiated the process that later led to the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
