A coalition of prominent Nigerians under the aegis of Agenda Nigeria has commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, describing him as an incorruptible nationalist and visionary leader whose legacy remains relevant to Nigeria’s present challenges.
In a press statement issued on Friday to mark the anniversary, the group recalled that Mohammed was assassinated on February 13, 1976, alongside his aide-de-camp and driver while on his way to his office at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
The group noted that Mohammed’s brief but impactful leadership between July 1975 and February 1976 left lasting institutional and national reforms, including the creation of new states and the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Agenda Nigeria described Mohammed as one of Africa’s most transformative leaders, drawing parallels between his leadership style and that of Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, both of whom were credited with strengthening national institutions and advancing African independence.
According to the statement, Mohammed demonstrated exceptional courage by confronting corruption within the civil service and laying the foundation for Nigeria’s first enduring indigenous constitution. The group also highlighted his commitment to African liberation, particularly his famous “Africa Has Come of Age” speech delivered in Addis Ababa at the headquarters of the African Union in January 1976.
The signatories expressed concern over what they described as a steady decline in governance quality and leadership integrity in Nigeria since Mohammed’s death. They warned that corruption, insecurity, disunity, and sectional politics have undermined national cohesion and weakened the country’s standing among the global community.
They further cautioned that Nigeria’s sovereignty faces increasing challenges in a changing global order, where powerful nations exert influence over weaker states, sometimes undermining the stabilising role of institutions such as the United Nations.
Agenda Nigeria urged Nigerians to rekindle the values of patriotism, discipline, and selfless leadership exemplified by Mohammed, stressing that his ideology offers solutions to the country’s unity and governance challenge
The group concluded that the 50th anniversary of Mohammed’s assassination should serve as a moment of reflection and a call to action for Nigerians to embrace principled leadership capable of restoring national pride and unity.
Signatories Include:-
1 Malam Mahmud Othman
2.Hajiya Azumi Bebeji
3.Hajiya Aisha Ismail
4.Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed
5.Muhammed Sani Zorro
6.Salisu Nuhu Mohammed
7.Najeem Jimoh
8.Naseer Kura Jafar
9.Abdulkadir Ibrahim Ahmad
10.Prof. Muhammadu Mustafa Gwadabe
11.Malam Isa Ahmed,Mni
12.Ado Yahuza
13.Mohammed Tsaibu
14.Bello Dantata, PhD
15.Balarabe Garba
16.Ali Maje
17.Senator Shehu Sani
18.Salihu Lukman
19.Prof. Hamza Abba
20.Abdulkadir Bala Madigawa
21.Hon. (Barr.) Nasiru Ibrahim Junju Esq.
22.Ado Yusuf Dawakiji, PhD
23.Nasir Abbas
24.Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
25.Hussaini Abdu,PhD
26.Chris Igene, PhD
27.Bala Baba Shu’aibu
28.Bashir Umar
29.Maikudi Abubakar Zukogi