Tinubu Pays Tribute to Murtala Muhammed at 50th Anniversary Lecture
President Bola Tinubu has honoured the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, describing him as a courageous military leader with strong democratic ideals whose legacy continues to shape Nigeria’s political development and Africa’s liberation struggle.
Speaking at the 50th Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, praised the late leader’s anti-corruption drive and his commitment to returning Nigeria to civilian rule during his brief time in office.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo noted that one of Muhammed’s enduring legacies was grooming successors, a quality he said many leaders lack. Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the Pan-African vision championed by Muhammed is gradually being realised through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Muhammed, who seized power in 1975 after ousting Yakubu Gowon, was assassinated on February 13, 1976, after just 200 days in office. During that period, he introduced sweeping reforms, dismissed thousands of public officials over corruption, created seven new states, and initiated the move of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
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