LAGOS: Murtala Ramat Mohammed, GCFR (November 8, 1938 – February 13, 1976), was a prominent Nigerian military officer and the fourth head of state of Nigeria. His brief but impactful rule, lasting from July 29, 1975, until his assassination on February 13, 1976, left a lasting imprint on the country’s history. Known for his ambitious reforms and uncompromising stance on anti-corruption, Mohammed’s reign was marked by both admiration and animosity. His unexpected and brutal assassination, orchestrated by disgruntled soldiers, would mark a tragic chapter in Nigerian politics.
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Kano, Murtala came from a family deeply embedded in the legal and Islamic traditions. His father, Muhammed Riskuwa, was the Chief Judge of Kano, and his family had strong ties to both the Fulani and Kanuri cultures. Growing up in a prominent family, Murtala’s early education was rooted in both the Islamic and Western systems. He attended the prestigious Barewa College in Zaria, where he excelled academically and became an active member of the school’s Cadet Corps, ultimately rising to the position of captain in his final year. After completing his education in 1957, Murtala enlisted in the Nigerian Army, training at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK.
By 1966, he had become one of Nigeria’s youngest brigadier generals. His leadership in the military played a pivotal role during the Nigerian Civil War, where he commanded the Second Infantry Division. Under his command, the division gained notoriety for its effectiveness, but it was also responsible for numerous civilian casualties. The war’s aftermath solidified Murtala’s standing as a leader capable of managing post-war reconstruction and reconciliation.
The 1966 Counter-Coup and the Rise to Power
Murtala’s military career took a decisive turn during the political turmoil of 1966. In January of that year, the military overthrew the government of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, leading to the installation of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. However, dissatisfaction with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s government, especially his unification decree, led to the counter-coup of July 29, 1966. Murtala, along with other Northern officers, played a crucial role in overthrowing Aguiyi-Ironsi’s regime. This event marked the beginning of Murtala’s ascent to power in Nigerian politics.
Following the coup, he was briefly considered for the position of Supreme Commander but was ultimately passed over in favor of General Yakubu Gowon. Murtala’s role in the coup, however, cemented his status as a leading military figure in Nigeria. By the early 1970s, he had risen through the ranks and was appointed Federal Commissioner for Communications.
Leadership and Reforms
In 1975, Murtala Mohammed orchestrated another coup, this time ousting General Gowon, who had been in power for over eight years. Murtala’s vision for Nigeria was one of radical reform. Upon assuming the position of Head of State, he sought to uproot corruption, improve governance, and establish a transparent military leadership. He aimed to return Nigeria to civilian rule by 1979, setting a date for elections and gradually reducing military involvement in politics.
Under his rule, Murtala implemented significant reforms, including efforts to decentralize government power and promote a more equitable distribution of resources. His government was determined to root out corruption, exemplified by his mass purge of corrupt officials and the establishment of new institutions meant to ensure accountability. He also initiated major infrastructural projects, which, in part, were designed to improve Nigeria’s economy and quality of life.
Murtala’s tenure was not without controversy. His strong authoritarian approach alienated some factions of the military, and his reformist actions were viewed as radical by those who had benefited from the existing system. His decision to confront corruption head-on, combined with his disregard for the delicate political balance, created tensions that would culminate in his assassination.
The Assassination and Its Aftermath
On February 13, 1976, General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in a coup attempt orchestrated by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka and a group of soldiers. The plot unfolded in a violent and chaotic ambush as Murtala was traveling in his car to the Dodan Barracks in Lagos. His convoy was attacked, and he was killed instantly by gunfire. The assassination was part of a broader attempt to overthrow the government and restore power to disgruntled factions within the military.
Despite the initial success of the assassination, the coup was poorly executed. Dimka and his fellow conspirators were unable to seize full control of the country. Major General Olusegun Obasanjo, Murtala’s deputy, narrowly escaped the plot and quickly took charge of the military. Dimka and his co-conspirators were hunted down in the days following the coup, and Dimka was eventually captured in Afikpo, southeast Nigeria. He was tried by a military tribunal and sentenced to death by firing squad.
Murtala’s death shocked the nation. His leadership had inspired hope for a more just and democratic Nigeria, and his assassination marked a moment of deep national mourning. While his reign was brief, it was a period of considerable change. Many of the policies he introduced were never fully realized, but his ambition to reform Nigerian society and eliminate corruption remains an enduring part of his legacy.
General Murtala Mohammed’s legacy remains a complex and controversial one. His leadership was a blend of military authoritarianism and progressive reform. His government laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s eventual return to civilian rule, with his successor, Olusegun Obasanjo, overseeing the transition to democracy. While his policies brought some stability and development to Nigeria, his tragic assassination highlights the volatile nature of military rule and the fierce divisions that can exist within the armed forces.
Murtala Mohammed’s legacy is one of both unfulfilled promises and lasting impact, as Nigeria continues to grapple with the political challenges he sought to address. His leadership during a crucial period in Nigeria’s history makes him one of the most significant figures in the country’s military and political history.
written and culled by: Elvis Ogboi Researcher, news blogger and entrepreneur Lagos, NIgeria
