President Bola Tinubu on Thursday paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, describing him as a decisive military leader whose democratic instincts and anti-corruption drive left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political evolution and Africa’s liberation struggles.
The President spoke at the 50th Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference held in honour of the late leader. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said Muhammed possessed “democratic blood in his veins” and demonstrated a clear commitment to returning Nigeria to civilian rule.
According to a statement signed by Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the President praised Muhammed for initiating a structured transition programme toward presidential democracy during his brief tenure in office.
“He was not just a Nigerian; he was a man who loved his country deeply,” Tinubu said. “He took on corruption headlong and fought it with all the skills and talents given to him by God.” The President noted that the anti-corruption measures introduced under Muhammed’s administration remain widely respected and remembered.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Tinubu highlighted Muhammed’s strong commitment to Africa’s emancipation. He recalled Nigeria’s frontline support for liberation movements in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the country’s role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.
Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Foundation, identified leadership succession as one of Muhammed’s enduring legacies. He observed that many leaders fail to groom successors but said Muhammed demonstrated foresight by preparing those who would continue the nation’s leadership journey.
The anniversary lecture brought together statesmen, policymakers, and scholars to reflect on Muhammed’s leadership ideals and their relevance to contemporary governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
