Murtala Mohammed

Early Life and Background

Murtala Ramat Mohammed was born on November 8, 1938, in the Gwamaja ward of Kano, Kano State, which was then part of the Northern Region of British Nigeria. He hailed from a prominent family, his father, Risqua Mohammed, was a descendant of the Jobawa clan, a lineage with deep roots in Kano and known for its scholarly and administrative contributions. His mother, Uwani Rahamatu, also came from a respected family. The Mohammed family was part of the broader Fulani ethnic group, specifically from the lineage of Usman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, which imbued him with a strong sense of tradition and leadership from an early age. His upbringing in Kano, a vibrant commercial and cultural hub, exposed him to diverse perspectives and the complexities of Nigerian society, shaping his early understanding of governance and national identity.

Education

Murtala Mohammed's educational journey began at the Government Primary School in Kano, where he received his foundational education. Following primary school, he proceeded to the prestigious Barewa College in Zaria, a renowned institution known for producing many of Nigeria's future leaders, both civilian and military. He attended Barewa College from 1952 to 1957, excelling academically and demonstrating strong leadership potential. After completing his secondary education, Mohammed embarked on a military career. In 1959, he enrolled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, one of the world's most esteemed military training institutions. His training at Sandhurst provided him with a rigorous foundation in military tactics, leadership, and discipline. Following his commissioning, he further honed his skills, attending the School of Signals in Catterick, UK, in 1960, where he specialized in military communications. He later attended the Joint Service Staff College in Latimer, UK, in 1964, which broadened his strategic and operational understanding of military command and inter-service cooperation.

Career

Murtala Mohammed was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1961. His early career saw him serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Congo (ONUC) from 1962 to 1963, gaining valuable international experience in conflict resolution and logistics. Upon his return, he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1964, he was promoted to Major and appointed Officer Commanding, 1st Signal Squadron, Nigerian Army. His career took a pivotal turn in July 1966 when he played a prominent role in the counter-coup that overthrew Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi's government. This event, often seen as a 'revenge coup' for the January 1966 coup, brought Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon to power. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), Mohammed was appointed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army's 2nd Infantry Division. He led the division in crucial campaigns, including the capture of Benin City and the challenging crossing of the River Niger at Onitsha. His command during the war was characterized by a reputation for bravery, assertiveness, and sometimes controversial, aggressive tactics. After the war, he served as the Inspector of Signals from 1968 to 1975. In 1974, he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Communications under General Gowon's military regime. On July 29, 1975, in a bloodless coup, Murtala Mohammed overthrew General Gowon, becoming Nigeria's fourth Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His ascension to power was met with widespread public expectation for change and reform.

Major Achievements

Mohammed's seven-month tenure as Head of State was short but remarkably impactful. He immediately launched a comprehensive anti-corruption drive and civil service reform program, famously dismissing over 10,000 public officials for corruption, inefficiency, or old age. This purge, though controversial for its swiftness and scope, was intended to instill discipline and accountability in the public sector. He initiated a review of the 1973 national census results, which had been widely disputed, and declared them null and void. A significant administrative achievement was the creation of seven new states on February 3, 1976, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria from 12 to 19. These new states—Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo—were intended to bring government closer to the people and address ethnic minority agitations. He also set up a panel, the Akinola Aguda Panel, which recommended moving the federal capital from Lagos to a more central location, leading to the eventual establishment of Abuja as the Federal Capital Territory. In foreign policy, Mohammed articulated the 'Africa Has Come of Age' doctrine, asserting Nigeria's independent stance and strong support for liberation movements, notably providing unequivocal backing to the MPLA in Angola against Western-backed factions. He also set a clear timetable for a return to democratic civilian rule by October 1, 1979, establishing a Constitution Drafting Committee to prepare a new constitution for the Third Republic.

Personal Life

Murtala Mohammed was married to Ajoke Mohammed in 1963. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Aisha, Fatima, Zakari, Zeliha, Jummai, and Risqua. Despite his demanding military and political career, he was known to be a devoted family man. Information about his private life is somewhat limited due to the relatively short period he spent in the highest office and the military's traditionally private nature. However, he was perceived by many as a disciplined, resolute, and principled individual, traits that extended to his personal conduct. He was known for his simple lifestyle, eschewing the ostentation often associated with political power, a characteristic that endeared him to many Nigerians. His commitment to national service often overshadowed his personal pursuits, reflecting his deep dedication to the country's progress.

Legacy

Murtala Mohammed's legacy is profound and enduring despite his brief time in office. He is widely remembered as a dynamic and decisive leader who brought a sense of purpose and direction to Nigeria. His anti-corruption efforts, though incomplete, set a precedent for accountability and inspired future leaders. The creation of new states and the decision to move the federal capital to Abuja fundamentally reshaped Nigeria's administrative and geographical landscape. His 'Africa Has Come of Age' foreign policy elevated Nigeria's standing on the international stage, establishing it as a strong voice for African self-determination and liberation. Perhaps his most significant legacy was his commitment to a structured return to civilian rule, a promise that was honored by his successor, General Olusegun Obasanjo. His assassination on February 13, 1976, during a failed coup attempt led by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka, shocked the nation and cut short a promising era of reform. He is immortalized through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, one of Africa's busiest airports, and his portrait adorns the Nigerian 20 Naira banknote, serving as a constant reminder of his contributions and sacrifice. He remains a symbol of strong, principled leadership and national unity in Nigeria's history.