Tinubu pays stirring tribute to Murtala Muhammed

Tinubu tribute to Murtala Muhammed highlights anti-corruption reforms, democratic transition and Africa’s liberation legacy at 50th lecture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday paid tribute to former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, at the 50th Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference in Abuja, describing the late military leader as a courageous reformer whose democratic credentials shaped Nigeria’s political evolution and Africa’s liberation struggle.

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President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the late General possessed “democratic blood in his veins” despite emerging from a military background.

The President said General Muhammed implemented a transition programme during his brief tenure to return Nigeria to presidential democracy.

President Tinubu added that the anti-corruption initiatives introduced under the late leader remain respected and remembered by Nigerians.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

The Tinubu tribute to Murtala Muhammed also underscored Nigeria’s historic support for liberation movements across Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Guinea-Bissau, as well as its frontline role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa.

The statement conveying the President’s remarks was signed by Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and posted on the Office’s X account.

Speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Foundation, described grooming a successor as one of General Muhammed’s most enduring legacies.

Former President Obasanjo said many leaders fail to prepare those who will succeed them, adding that the late General’s influence shaped his own resolve to complete the transition to civilian rule.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the vision of an “Africa coming of age”, championed by General Muhammed, is materialising through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Former Vice President Osinbajo said African nations are shifting from import dependency to export strength and advancing in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, described General Muhammed as her hero and a distinguished son of Africa.

Former President Banda said his Pan-Africanist convictions inspired liberation movements and embodied selfless service.

General Muhammed seized power in a bloodless coup in July 1975, removing General Yakubu Gowon.

The late Head of State was assassinated on February 13, 1976, barely six months after assuming office.

During his 200-day tenure, General Muhammed dismissed more than 10,000 public officials accused of corruption, created seven new states and initiated plans for a transition to civilian rule.

His administration also began the process that led to relocating Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

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The Tinubu tribute to Murtala Muhammed cast the late leader as a bold and principled figure whose reforms and Pan-African vision continue to resonate five decades later.

David Okere