General Murtala Mohammed: History, Leadership, Achievements, and Challenges

Early Life and Military Career

Birth and Background

• Murtala Ramat Mohammed was born on November 8, 1938, in Kano, Nigeria.
• He was of Hausa-Fulani ethnicity and raised in a Muslim family.
• He attended Barewa College, Zaria, where he developed leadership skills.

Military Training and Early Career

• Joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and trained at:

  • Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (UK)
  • Staff College, Camberley (UK)

• Became a skilled signals and infantry officer and rose quickly through the ranks.

Role in Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)

• Played a major role in leading federal troops against Biafra.
• Commanded the 2nd Infantry Division, which launched a brutal assault on the Mid-West Region during the war.
• His troops were accused of massacres in Asaba and Onitsha, but he remained a key military figure.

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How Murtala Mohammed Became Head of State (1975)

The July 29, 1975 Coup

• On July 29, 1975, he led a bloodless military coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon.
• The coup was staged due to:
  • Gowon’s failure to return Nigeria to civilian rule.
  • Corruption and mismanagement during Gowon’s administration.
  • Growing frustration within the military.
• Murtala Mohammed became Nigeria’s 4th Head of State at 36 years old.

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Leadership as Head of State (1975–1976)

Major Achievements

Even though he ruled for only 200 days (6 months, 14 days), his administration made a lasting impact.

1. Anti-Corruption Reforms

• Fired thousands of corrupt officials, including military governors, civil servants, and police officers.
• Cracked down on bribery and wasteful government spending.
• Ordered a review of fraudulent contracts awarded during Gowon’s rule.

2. Civil Service Reforms

• Dismissed over 10,000 public servants who were seen as lazy, incompetent, or corrupt.
• Improved government efficiency and accountability.

3. Announced a Return to Civilian Rule

• Launched a transition plan to return Nigeria to democracy by 1979.
• Set up a committee to draft a new constitution.

4. New Capital City (Abuja Project)

• Announced plans to move Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja to ease congestion and promote national unity.
• This plan was later completed in the 1980s and 1990s.

5. Strengthened Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

• Opposed apartheid in South Africa and supported African liberation movements.
• Cut diplomatic ties with Israel over their policies in the Middle East.

6. Economic Policies

• Focused on reducing government waste and inefficiency.
• Nationalized some foreign companies to promote Nigerian economic independence.

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Challenges and Downfall

Despite his strong leadership, he faced several challenges:

1. Opposition to His Policies

• His anti-corruption purge made him unpopular among the political and military elite.
• Many of those dismissed from government were angry at his sudden and strict reforms.

2. Military Discontent

• Some military officers felt neglected and sidelined under his leadership.
• His leadership style was seen as harsh and dictatorial by some.

3. Planning of His Assassination

• Some military officers, especially from the Middle Belt and Northern regions, saw his leadership as a threat to their interests.

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The February 13, 1976 Assassination

• Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in Lagos on February 13, 1976 in an attempted coup led by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka.
• His car was ambushed and sprayed with bullets while he was on his way to work.
• He died instantly, and his death shocked the nation.
• The coup failed, and Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo was chosen as the new Head of State.

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Legacy of Murtala Mohammed

Achievements

✔ Fought corruption aggressively.
✔ Planned Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
✔ Planned Abuja as the new capital.
✔ Promoted African unity and anti-apartheid efforts.
✔ Improved government efficiency.

Failures and Criticisms

❌ His anti-corruption purge was too harsh, leading to many sackings without due process.
❌ His economic policies were rushed, leading to instability.
❌ His involvement in the Nigerian Civil War was controversial, with allegations of massacres.

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Conclusion

General Murtala Mohammed is remembered as a bold and decisive leader who brought major reforms to Nigeria in a very short time. His anti-corruption drive, plans for democracy, and vision for Abuja shaped Nigeria’s future. However, his tough leadership style made him enemies, leading to his assassination in 1976.