Murtala Muhammed Wanted Fair, Prosperous Nigeria – Gambari

Former Chief of Staff to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, has said former Head of State, late General Murtala Muhammed, was driven by a deep commitment to fairness, prosperity and equity in Nigeria.

Gambari spoke yesterday in Abuja at a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of Muhammed’s death, an event organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation.

He said one of the defining traits of the former military leader was leadership by example, anchored on courage and strong personal conviction.

“Leadership by example and the courage of his conviction defined General Murtala Muhammed. He wanted a fairer Nigeria, a more prosperous Nigeria and a more equitable society where inequalities were reduced,” he said.

Gambari noted that despite Muhammed’s brief time in office, his actions left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s political and moral landscape.

Speaking earlier, founder of the foundation, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, described her late father as a disciplined military officer whose training shaped his approach to leadership and governance.

“It has been 50 years since my father died. But today I remember him most as a military officer. That discipline influenced everything he did,” she said.

According to her, the military instilled in Muhammed a strong work ethic, clarity of purpose and a belief in living among the people he served.

“He believed leaders should live among their people and represent their interests. That sense of responsibility translated into love for his country, accountability and service,”Oyebode said.

She added that her father’s passion extended beyond Nigeria to the African continent, which he regarded as uniquely rich in potential and beauty.

In his welcome address, a son of the Muhammed family, Risqua Muhammed, said the late general’s legacy proved that impact in leadership was not measured by length of time in office.

“General Murtala Muhammed ruled for just 200 days, yet he is still remembered. What matters is not how long you stay in office, but what you do and how your legacy affects the lives of others,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to also reflect on the sacrifices of other national heroes who served and paid the price for the country’s unity and progress.