Aisha Muhammed, the daughter of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, shared insights about her father's approach to leadership and his modest way of living. She asserted that these values not only cemented his enduring legacy but also contributed to his assassination vulnerability.
During an appearance on ARISE News’ Morning Show to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his passing, Aisha, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, portrayed her father as a leader characterized by accountability, responsibility, and discipline.
She noted that the late Head of State was fiercely dedicated to combating corruption, identifying it as a “cankerworm” that could wreak havoc on society. He embodied this anti-corruption ethos through his own conduct.
According to Aisha, General Muhammed intentionally eschewed the ostentatious aspects of power, turning down motorcades, sirens, and lavish security protocols, opting instead to lead a life akin to that of an ordinary Nigerian.
“My father did not travel with motorcades or sirens and had little security. Some people tell me that it must be painful, 50 years on, following his loss, but that was his way of life. This made him easy to assassinate, as he was often in traffic like everyone else,” she stated.
General Murtala Muhammed assumed power in July 1975 after successfully leading a bloodless coup against General Yakubu Gowon. Although his time in office lasted only 200 days, he implemented significant reforms, dismissing over 10,000 public officials implicated in corruption, establishing seven new states, and laying groundwork for Nigeria's transition to civilian governance.
His administration also initiated the eventual relocation of Nigeria's capital from Lagos to Abuja.
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