President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to late Nigerian Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, describing him as a courageous military leader with strong democratic credentials whose reforms reshaped Nigeria’s political evolution and strengthened Africa’s liberation struggle.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday 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, the President said Muhammed had “democratic blood in his veins” and demonstrated rare commitment to returning Nigeria to civilian rule despite his short time in office.
Murtala Muhammed’s Democratic Transition and Anti-Corruption Drive
Highlighting key reforms of the late Head of State, Tinubu praised Muhammed’s bold anti-corruption stance and decisive leadership.
According to the President, Muhammed confronted corruption head-on, dismissing over 10,000 public officials accused of misconduct during his brief 200-day tenure. His administration also initiated a transition programme designed to restore Nigeria to presidential democracy.
Tinubu noted that these reforms remain widely respected decades after Muhammed’s assassination in February 1976.
During his six months in office, Muhammed:
Launched a transition plan to civilian rule
Created seven new states
Began the relocation process of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja
Reorganized the public service to improve accountability
Nigeria’s Role in Africa’s Liberation Movements
The President also emphasised Muhammed’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and Africa’s emancipation, recalling Nigeria’s frontline support for liberation movements across the continent.
Under Muhammed’s leadership, Nigeria played a key role in supporting freedom struggles in:
Angola
Namibia
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Guinea-Bissau
The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa
Tinubu said Muhammed’s foreign policy strengthened Nigeria’s reputation as a champion of African unity and justice.
