Tinubu Honours Late Murtala Muhammed for His Democratic Ideals
- President Tinubu honoured late General Murtala Muhammed's legacy for democracy and African liberation
- He highlighted Nigeria's role in the decolonisation of Africa and the ending of apartheid in South Africa
- SGF George Akume, who spoke on behalf of the president, recalled nationwide protests following Muhammed's assassination in 1976
President Bola Tinubu has said the late General Murtala Muhammed, a former military head of state, was “a military officer with democratic traditions and love in his veins.” The president said that the short-lived administration laid the foundation for the return of democracy and the liberation of Africa.
The president made the statement through Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He spoke at the event designed to commemorate the late military leader, organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation in Abuja. on Thursday, February 13. The event was attended by African presidents, diplomats and traditional rulers.
Source: Twitter
His statement reads in part:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu salutes the family and the Foundation for this event. He says Murtala Muhammed was a military officer with democratic traditions and love in his veins.”
George Akume speaks on General Muhammed regime
Akume said that during the short period that Muhammed presided over the country, the late military leader put every policy in place to return Nigeria to potential democracy, even though his life was cut short. He added that Muhammed put a solid team in place to ensure the democratic transition of the government.
The Tribune reported that the presidential appointee explained that Muhammed's successor, Olusegun Obasanjo, sustained the transition programme, which was supported by members of the Supreme Military Council.
Akume then praised the former military head of state for fighting corruption with the skills and talent given to him by God. He said Muhammed will continue to be remembered and respected by all Nigerians.
The SGF also highlighted the commitment of the former Nigerian leader to the liberation of Africa, adding that he "believed in Africa" and sought the “total deconstruction of colonial rule on the continent.”
He recalled that Nigeria played a crucial role in the struggle to decolonise Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe, and in the eventual end of apartheid in South Africa.
Akume speaks on the assassination of General Muhammed
Speaking on the assassination of General Muhammed in 1976, the SGF said he was a university student when the incident happened and reminisced about the shock that shook the country during the time.
He said that students from the University of Ibadan, the Polytechnic of Ibadan and the University of Lagos mobilised and protested the unwarranted interruption in the country's governance.
He also expressed optimism about the prospects of Africa and urged the people not to despair, defending President Tinubu's administration reform.
Source: Twitter
Tinubu threatens governors over LG autonomy
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had threatened to invoke the power of the executive order of the presidency in granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
He issued the threat while speaking at the 15th APC NEC meeting at the state house in Abuja on December 19, 2025, calling on governors to act swiftly before he was forced to step in.
Source: Legit.ng
