President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the legacy of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, as a lasting moral compass for Nigeria and the African continent in addressing today’s political and economic challenges.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented him at the 50th memorial anniversary of the late military ruler, President Tinubu praised Mohammed’s courage, discipline, and clarity of vision. He emphasized that, despite his short 201-day tenure as Head of State, Mohammed’s leadership secured him a place among Nigeria’s most distinguished leaders and continues to inspire generations across Africa, even 50 years after his assassination.
President Tinubu revealed that he did not hesitate to accept an invitation to serve as Grand Patron of the memorial conference and book launch, following a letter from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chairman of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said, “It has been 50 years since the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Today, this great leader — a remarkable son of Nigeria and Africa — has summoned us to reflect on the state of our continent.”
The President’s remarks highlighted that Murtala Mohammed’s principles and vision remain highly relevant, serving as a beacon for integrity, courage, and national development. By invoking the late leader’s ethos, Tinubu underscored the importance of moral leadership in navigating the complex political and economic landscape facing Nigeria and Africa today.
As the nation commemorates the 50th anniversary of General Mohammed’s untimely death, the memorial events, including a conference and book launch, serve as a reminder of his enduring influence and a call to action for current and future leaders to uphold the values he championed.
