BY UCHECHI OKPORIE
Aisha Muhammed, daughter of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has spoken about her father’s leadership style and the simple life he chose to live, saying his humility and discipline shaped both his legacy and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking on ARISE News Morning Show to mark the 50th anniversary of his passing, Aisha, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, described her father as a leader who believed strongly in accountability, responsibility and discipline.
According to her, General Muhammed was deeply committed to the fight against corruption, which he often described as a “cankerworm” capable of destroying society. She explained that he did not only preach integrity, but also practised it in his personal life.
She noted that her father deliberately avoided the privileges of office such as long motorcades, sirens and heavy security, choosing instead to live like an ordinary Nigerian.
Aisha said this simple lifestyle made him more exposed to danger and contributed to how easily he was attacked on February 13, 1976.
“My father did not move around with many security personnel. He lived like every other citizen. Even in traffic, he waited like everyone else.
That was who he was, and that was what he stood for,” she said.
General Murtala Muhammed came to power in July 1975 after the removal of General Yakubu Gowon in a bloodless coup. Although his administration lasted only 200 days, it remains one of the most memorable in Nigeria’s history.
During his short time in office, he dismissed more than 10,000 public officers over allegations of corruption, created seven new states and began key reforms aimed at returning Nigeria to civilian rule.
His government also started the process that later led to the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
Fifty years after his death, Aisha Muhammed said her father is still remembered for his courage, integrity and deep commitment to national service.
