READ THIS HISTORY CAREFULLY Today in history: General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated on February 13, 1976. Facts about Murtala. He was born in Kano on November 8, 1938. He attended Barewa College, Zaria. He was commissioned into the Nigerian army as a second lieutenant in 1961. He attended the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in England. He played a role in the July 1966 counter coup and he fought in the civil war. He came to power on July 29, 1975 after the overthrow of the General Gowons government (Gowon was head of state for 9 years). He was president for only 199 days (from July 29, 1975 to February 13, 1976). As head of state Murtala lived in the house he had as Director of Army Signal Corps. Murtala didnt use sirens or convoy. He drove daily to his office at Dodan Barrack. He set up the Justice Akintola Aguda panel to examine the desirability of relocating the federal capital from Lagos, which was crowded, to a more central location. Abuja was picked as the new location. He created more states to promote national unity. i.e., Niger, Bauchi, Gongola, Benue, Ogun, Imo and Bendel. He initiated a successful reform of the Federal Civil service. He cancelled the 1973 census, which was weighted in favor of the north. He set 1979 as the date for returning power to democratically elected civilian government. On the 18th of October 1975, Murtala set-up the Constitution Drafting Committee that led to the creation of 1979 constitution. The committee came up with one of the best constitutions in the history of Nigeria. As head of state, Murtala has never detained anyone. Although he served as a military head of state, 12 of the 25 ministerial posts on the Federal Executive Council went to civilians. Prominent Nigerians that served under Murtala include Obasanjo, Danjuma, Yar’Adua, Akinrinade, Innih, Kanu, Akinyemi, Adelanwa, Doko, Yusuf, Buhari, Babangida He popularized the use of terms like Fellow Nigerians and with immediate effect He introduced the concept of Nigeria first in his foreign policy. He pursued an Africa- centered foreign policy. He was active in the non-aligned movement. He actively supported the anti- apartheid movement in South Africa. He also supported Liberation movements in countries like Angola. Famous quote “Mr. Chairman, when I contemplate the evils of apartheid, my heart bleeds and I am sure the heart of every true blooded African bleeds. Rather than join hands with the forces fighting for self- determinat ion and against racism and apartheid, the United States’ policy makers clearly decided that it was in the best interest of their country to maintain white supremacy and minority regimes in Africa. Africa has come of age. It’s no longer under the orbit of any extra- continent al power. It should no longer take orders from any country no matter how powerful…gone are the days when Africa will ever bow to the threat of any so-called superpower… Speech on the 11th of January 1976, at extra-ordinary meeting of the OAU Heads of Government, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was killed 34 days later. Murtala Muhammed was killed together with his aide-de- camp, Lieutenant Akintunde Akinsehinwa in an abortive coup attempt led by Lt. Col Buka Suka Dimka. They were ambushed on their way to his office at Dodan Barracks. Dimka had visited the British High Commission while the coup was in progress. They didnt tell the Nigerian government. Murtala died at the age of 37. He was survived by his mother Hajiya Ramatu, his uncle the Magajin Gari of Kano, Alh. Inuwa Wada, his widow Ajoke Muhammad and children. Murtala was succeeded by the Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ Olusegun Obasanjo. His plan of transfer of power to civilian rule was completed by Obasanjo, who handed over to democratically elected government of Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979. According to his friend, Chief MKO Abiola, Murtala only had Seven Naira Twenty Two Kobo (N7.22) in his bank account when he died. His portrait appears on the 20 Naira note. Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is named in his honor. Many streets across Nigeria are named in his honor. The Murtala Muhammad Foundation (MMF), an NGO, is managed by his daughter Aisha Mohammed. May his gentle soul rest in peace!
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 10:43:29 +0000
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