By Richard Odusanya
Murtala Muhammed is remembered as a national hero whose life was cut short, yet he left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s developmental strides.
Let’s continue with the golden words of his amiable daughter, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode. In a recent interview, Aisha eloquently posited: “My father’s simplicity led to his assassination”.
Reflecting On Another Year of Life! As I remember my fourteenth birthday on February 13, 1976, which was marked with mixed feelings, as the day represents a profoundly turbulent moment in Nigerian history that likely impacted the atmosphere of the celebration. On that exact morning, Nigeria’s Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, was assassinated in a failed coup attempt in Lagos.
Interestingly, for a fourteen-year-old in 1976, this would have been a day that began with the excitement of a birthday but was quickly overshadowed by the sudden, violent shift in national leadership, creating that mixture of personal joy and national sorrow.
With the symbolism of frontier of a new era, Murtala Muhammed, in his life time, was a transformative Nigerian Head of State known for his 200-day, action-oriented, and anti-corruption rule. A pan-Africanist, he championed Angola’s independence, initiated the creation of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and created 7 additional states. His brief,, impactful, and “simplicity-in-governance” legacy ended on February 13, 1976, during a failed coup.
Equally instructive, Murtala Ramat Mohammed initiated many changes during his brief time in office: he began the process of moving the federal capital to Abuja, addressed the issue of government inefficiency, and, most importantly, initiated the process for a return to civilian rule.
Simply put, Murtala Muhammad lived a life of sacrifice. Based on these facts, the following are key lessons for political gladiators and leaders, particularly within the Nigerian context, aimed at fostering better governance and national development:
1. Shift from Self-Interest to Public Service
a) Prioritize the Masses:
Political gladiators often focus on personal ambition and protecting elite interests rather than serving the public. True leadership requires putting the needs of the citizenry above personal gain.
b) Avoid “Godfatherism” and Corruption:
The recycling of leaders and reliance on “godfather” figures perpetuates a system that hinders development and breeds corruption.
c) End Impunity: Leaders must stop treating political positions as opportunities for personal enrichment, which has led to widespread poverty and insecurity.
2. Embrace Integrity, Accountability, and Ethics
a) Accountability is Non-Negotiable: Leaders must be accountable for their actions and failures, rather than shifting blame.
b) Accept Correction: Leaders who cannot accept criticism or correction without offense will fail; feedback is essential for growth.
c) Eschew Politics of Bitterness: Campaigns should be based on issues rather than personal attacks, hate speech, or ethnic sentiments.
3. Foster Inclusivity and Human Capital Development
a) Empower the Youth: Political gladiators should cease using youths solely for violence and electioneering. Instead, they must focus on genuine empowerment and engagement in governance.
b) Involve Technocrats: To improve service delivery, political leaders should collaborate with experts and professionals rather than relying solely on politicians.
c) Respect the Rule of Law: Leaders must operate within the confines of the constitution, avoiding the temptation to abuse power.
4. Strategic and Visionary Leadership
a) Clear Vision and Goal-Setting: Effective leaders must have a clear, well-defined vision that inspires and mobilizes the country towards development.
b) Manage Conflict: Leaders must act as unifiers, especially in diverse societies, to prevent crises that lead to poverty and underdevelopment.
c) Adaptability: Leaders must be flexible and capable of navigating changing landscapes to effect positive change.
In conclusion, I will like to identify with the immediate family members, particularly our matriarch Chief (Mrs) Hafsatu Ajoke Muhammed, my brother Abba (Risqua) Abba Muhammed and our darling sister Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode.
