Murtala Muhammed: Still the man to beat

Every February 13, Nigerians pause to remember late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed whose legacy continues to inspire and challenge us. It has been 48 years since his assassination, yet Murtala remains the man to beat. One of Murtala’s most memorable moments came during the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on […]

Every February 13, Nigerians pause to remember late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed whose legacy continues to inspire and challenge us. It has been 48 years since his assassination, yet Murtala remains the man to beat.

One of Murtala’s most memorable moments came during the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 11, 1976. In a bold and necessary statement, he proclaimed that Africa had come of age and would no longer be under the orbit of any external power. He warned that as a continental power Africa should no longer take orders from any country no matter how powerful. He emphasised that gone were the days when Africa would bow to the threats of the so-called superpowers.

It is no exaggeration to say that Nigeria lost a great statesman when Murtala died. The entire continent of Africa also lost a mentor, a guardian, a history and an embodiment of all the exemplary qualities African leaders should strive to achieve.

We owe immeasurable gratitude to Murtala for his leadership, sacrifice, statesmanship, patriotism and unwavering commitment to the interests of the Nigerian people and Africa as a whole. His life and works serve as an inspiration for emerging African leaders, who must strive to live by the personal and social values and standards he exemplified as a citizen, subject and leader.

Murtala’s legacy is one of courage, integrity and a refusal to bow to external pressures. He stood up for Africa’s sovereignty and independence, setting an example for future generations. His words and actions continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of self-determination and the need to assert our own interests on the global stage.

In a world where powerful nations often dictate terms to smaller ones, Murtala’s message remains relevant. He showed us that we can stand tall and assert our rights regardless of our size or resources. His vision of a united and independent Africa continues to inspire us to this day.

Therefore, let us continue to draw inspiration from his life and works and strive to build a better Nigeria and Africa in his honour.

As we reflect on the life and achievements of Murtala, let us strive to emulate his courage, integrity and refusal to bow to external pressures.

May Allah subhanallahu wa ta’ala grant him Aljanna firdausi. Amin.

 

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman wrote from Abuja.