President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, describing him as a military officer with democratic credentials whose leadership left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s political evolution and Africa’s liberation struggle.
Speaking at the 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference in Abuja to commemorate the late leader, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, said General Muhammed possessed “democratic blood in his veins,” noting that within his brief period in office, he put in place a meticulous transition programme designed to return Nigeria to presidential democracy.
President Tinubu further described General Muhammed as a deeply patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to restoring the nation’s glory.
“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, adding that the anti-corruption battle he initiated continues to be remembered and respected by Nigerians.
The President also highlighted General Muhammed’s firm belief in Africa’s emancipation, noting that he committed enormous resources toward the total dismantling of colonial rule on the continent. He recalled Nigeria’s frontline role in liberation movements across Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
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Also speaking at the event, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Murtala Foundation former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that one of the enduring legacies of late General Murtala Mohammed is grooming a successor who will succeed him, saying most leaders have failed in grooming those that will succeed them. He added that it was his impact on his life that groomed his to sustain his legacies of transferring power to presidential democracy in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the former Vice President Yemi Osibanjo asserted that Africa has come of age as championed by General Murtala Mohammed as many African countries are moving away from importing nations to exporting nations through the signing of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by many African countries. He added that Africa is also leading in entrepreneurship, innovation and manufacturing goods and services saying with good leadership Africa will complete with other continents.
In her remarks, the former President of Malawi, Mrs Joyce Banda regarded the late General as a hero and a distinguished son of African whose entire life revolves around selfless service to his people by not enriching himself. She added that his Pan-Africanist ideologies have led to the liberation of many African countries.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
