Murtala

Forty nine years ago today, on Friday 13th February 1976, barely six months in office as Nigeria’s Military Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was assassinated on his way from his Ikoyi home to his office in Dodan Barracks.

Murtala was born on November 8, 1938, in Kano State, Nigeria. His father, Risqua Muhammed, was a veterinary inspector, and his mother, Uwani Ramatu, was a homemaker. Murtala’s early education began at Cikin Gida Primary School and later at Barewa College in Zaria.

Murtala’s military career started when he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1961. He underwent training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later specialized in army signals. During his military career, he served in various capacities, including as aide-de-camp to the Western Region Administrator and as Officer-in-Chief, First Brigade Signal Troops, Kaduna.

Murtala played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, serving as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army 2nd Division. His division was responsible for routing the Biafran forces from the Midwest Region and later joining forces with the 1st Division to capture Enugu City and Nsukka.

In 1975, Murtala participated in the coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon, becoming the fourth Head of State and third military ruler of Nigeria. As Head of State, Murtala implemented several reforms, including the creation of seven new states, Abuja as Federal Capital Territory, the reorganization of the federal administration, and the establishment of a new constitution drafting committee, giving 1979 as a move back to democratic rule.

Murtala’s reforms were marked by his characteristic phrase “with immediate effect [and automatic alacrity]” with which he launched a purge of the civil service, removing over 10,000 officials deemed corrupt or incompetent.

Tragically, Murtala’s life was cut short on February 13, 1976, when he was assassinated in a failed coup attempt led by Lt. Col. Bukar Suka Dimka. He was just 37 years old.

Despite his short time in office, Murtala left a lasting legacy in Nigeria. He is remembered for his courage, integrity, and vision for a better Nigeria and appears on the ₦20 note, the highest denomination in the 70s, to honour him. His wife, Ajoke, (sister to current FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe) and their six children survived him, and his memory continues to inspire Nigerians to this day.