Murtala Mohammed, Nigerian general and politician, 4th President of Nigeria (b. 1938)

General Murtala Ramat Muhammed: A Pivotal Figure in Nigerian History

General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a highly influential Nigerian military leader whose brief but impactful tenure as Head of State profoundly shaped the nation's trajectory. A key figure in Nigeria's tumultuous political landscape of the 1960s and 1970s, he rose to prominence by leading the Northern counter-coup forces that ultimately overthrew the First Republic of Nigeria in 1966. His strategic prowess was further demonstrated during the brutal Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), where he played a critical role. He subsequently ruled Nigeria as its Head of State from 30 July 1975 until his assassination on 13 February 1976. This distinct period in Nigerian history, from the initial Northern counter-coup victory to General Murtala's untimely death, is widely regarded as the era that firmly embedded and institutionalized military rule within the fabric of Nigerian politics, setting a precedent for future military interventions.

Early Life, Military Career, and Ideological Stance

Born in Kano, northern Nigeria, Murtala Ramat Muhammed hailed from a distinguished ruling-class religious family, which likely influenced his conservative and federalist perspectives. His journey in the Nigerian Army began with foundational training as a cadet at the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, a common training ground for many Commonwealth military officers. After his initial training, he gained valuable combat experience serving in the United Nations Operation in Congo (ONUC) during the Congo Crisis, a critical mission for newly independent African nations. He steadily ascended through the military ranks, achieving the rank of brigadier general in 1971 at the remarkably young age of 33, making him one of Nigeria's youngest generals at the time.

Three years later, in 1974, Murtala was appointed the Federal Commissioner for Communications in Lagos, a significant civilian portfolio within the military government. Ideologically, General Murtala was a staunch conservative and a fervent federalist. He deeply regretted the overthrow of Nigeria's First Republic in January 1966 and vehemently opposed General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi's promulgation of the Unification Decree No. 34 of 1966. This decree aimed to abolish the existing federal structure in favour of a unitary state, a move that alienated many in the Northern region who feared domination by the more populous south. He was particularly devastated by the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the Northern Region, during the first military coup. For a considerable period, he seriously contemplated and even advocated for the secession of Northern Nigeria from the federation, highlighting the severe regional tensions of the time.

His military career received a significant boost following the first military coup in Nigeria in January 1966, orchestrated by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young majors. This coup, which led to the demise of the First Republic and prominent Northern leaders, empowered Murtala to lead the retaliatory mutiny on the night of 29 July 1966, primarily from Abeokuta. Following this successful counter-coup, Murtala was briefly considered for the position of Supreme Commander before the eventual appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon. Crucially, he is widely credited as the mastermind behind the July 1966 counter-coup, an event that tragically escalated ethnic tensions and directly precipitated the Nigerian Civil War.

The Nigerian Civil War and Post-War Era

During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), General Murtala Ramat Muhammed commanded Nigeria's formidable Second Infantry Division. This division played a pivotal and often controversial role in the conflict, advancing through the Midwest region. Under his command, the division was responsible for significant casualties, including both rebel forces and, regrettably, a substantial number of civilians. The division's operational tactics, characterized by the use of seasoned veteran soldiers, a 'no quarter' policy (meaning no mercy shown to the enemy), and 'scorched earth' strategies (destroying resources to deny them to the enemy), tragically resulted in an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 deaths. When combined with the total wartime death toll, which is estimated to be as high as three million people, the Nigerian Civil War stands as one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history, predominantly due to starvation and disease.

Upon the Federal military government's declaration of victory in 1970, Murtala's image as a decisive and powerful military leader was significantly bolstered, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria. This enhanced reputation carried through the post-war era, which was officially themed as "reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation." In the immediate post-civil-war Nigeria, Murtala accumulated more power and influence than any Nigerian leader before or since, cultivating a strong charismatic authority and a burgeoning cult of personality around him.

On the international stage, particularly during the height of the Cold War, General Murtala maintained Nigeria's official stance of neutrality through its active participation in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), an organization of states that did not formally align with or against any major power bloc. However, his administration conspicuously supported the Soviet Union's efforts in the Angolan Civil War, providing diplomatic and logistical backing to the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) faction. This move, while aligning with Nigeria's pan-Africanist ideals of supporting liberation movements, somewhat strained the country's international reputation with Western powers.

The Murtala Administration and its Legacy

Nigeria under General Murtala's leadership experienced a period of remarkable economic prosperity, largely fueled by the significant increase in global oil prices known as the 1970s oil boom. This economic windfall provided his nascent regime with unprecedented resources. Simultaneously, his administration underwent a notable shift from a purely authoritarian style to a more consultative and consensus-based decision-making structure. Murtala emerged as the leader of a powerful military triumvirate, working closely with two other influential generals: Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma. This period saw a softening of the regime's dictatorial tendencies, and General Murtala unveiled ambitious plans for the demilitarization of Nigerian politics, promising a return to civilian rule and a more democratic system.

Tragically, barely seven months into his transformative rule, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was assassinated on 13 February 1976, during a failed coup d'état attempt led by Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka. He did not live to see his comprehensive plans for political and socio-economic reforms implemented. Following his death, General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded him as Head of State, faithfully carrying forward Murtala's vision and ultimately leading Nigeria's transition to democracy with the inauguration of the Second Nigerian Republic in 1979.

The legacy of General Murtala Ramat Muhammed in Nigerian history remains complex and controversial, largely because the nature of his rule evolved significantly over its short duration. His reign was marked by both periods of swift, decisive, and at times brutal repression, notably a massive purge of the civil service and public institutions aimed at combating corruption and inefficiency. Yet, concurrently, it was also a period of immense economic prosperity, which undeniably improved the quality of life for many Nigerians. His dictatorial style, though often criticized, proved highly adaptable, enabling him to initiate wide-sweeping social and economic reforms, including efforts to move the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. The consistent pursuits that defined his reign centered on several core principles:

Frequently Asked Questions About General Murtala Ramat Muhammed

Who was Murtala Ramat Muhammed?
Murtala Ramat Muhammed was a Nigerian general who became the Head of State of Nigeria from July 30, 1975, until his assassination on February 13, 1976. He was a pivotal figure in the Nigerian Civil War and played a crucial role in establishing military rule in the country.
What was the significance of the Northern counter-coup he led?
The Northern counter-coup of July 1966, masterminded by Murtala Muhammed, was a retaliatory response to the first military coup of January 1966. It overthrew the regime of General Aguiyi-Ironsi, restored northern dominance, and critically, sparked the ethnic tensions that led directly to the Nigerian Civil War.
How long did Murtala Muhammed rule Nigeria?
General Murtala Muhammed ruled Nigeria for a brief period of approximately seven months, from July 30, 1975, until his assassination on February 13, 1976.
What were some of the key policies or achievements of his administration?
Despite his short rule, Murtala Muhammed's administration was characterized by:
  • A massive purge of the civil service to combat corruption and inefficiency.
  • Initiation of plans for a return to civilian rule and the demilitarization of politics.
  • Economic prosperity largely due to the oil boom.
  • Strong stance on Pan-Africanism, particularly his intervention in the Angolan Civil War.
  • Establishment of the committee that recommended Abuja as the new federal capital.
Why is his legacy considered controversial?
Murtala Muhammed's legacy is controversial due to the dual nature of his rule. While he brought about significant economic prosperity and initiated crucial reforms and a clear path to civilian rule, his methods were often authoritarian and ruthless, marked by brutal repression and high civilian casualties during the Civil War. His support for the Soviet Union in Angola also caused international friction.
Who succeeded Murtala Muhammed after his assassination?
Following his assassination, General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded Murtala Muhammed as the Head of State. Obasanjo subsequently fulfilled Murtala's promise to return Nigeria to civilian democratic rule, inaugurating the Second Nigerian Republic in 1979.