Nigerian author, social media user and political analyst Michael Ogueke recently shared some praise for the former military ruler of Nigeria. The social media post shared by Ogueke featured an account of all the positive changes the Nigerian General brought to the country.
Therefore, while Murtala Mohammed ruled Nigeria for only six months. His term started on July 30, 1975, and ended on February 13, 1976. Professor Ogueke believes that in these six months, he brought an effective, efficient direction & decisiveness to the government. According to him, such initiative is unparalleled in Nigeria’s leadership history.
According to reports, Within six months, Murtala Mohammed has purged the civil & public service of indiscipline & corruption. He implemented far-reaching reforms still in Nigeria’s public & civil service. Similarly, in these months, Murtala Mohammed created additional seven states:
- Bauchi
- Benue
- Bornu
- Imo
- Niger
- Ogun
- Ondo
Additionally, Murtala set up a panel headed by Justice Akinola Aguda to find a suitable location for a new Capital. This was because Lagos has become congested. On February 3 1976, Abuja, an 8,000 sq km territory in the central part of Nigeria, was chosen ahead of 3 other locations & announced as the new Federal Capital.
Moreover Murtala Mohammed, in 6 months, reorganized & refocused our foreign policy with a “Nigeria First” orientation. He changed our foreign policy status from “Non-Aligned” to “Neutral”. This made Nigeria a global power player in international politics, among a host of other notable achievements,
Further, talking about the significant achievements of Mohammed, Michael Ogueke noted that he added two new words to our glossary, “Fellow Nigerians” & “Immediate Effect”. He added that by the time the culprits assassinated Murtala Mohammed at 38, he had left a legacy in leadership, a refocused country & a name for himself & Nigeria.
Because of him, the world recognizes and appreciates Nigeria & it reverberates globally today! Finally, Professor Michael Ogueke added that leadership is not about age or how long one stays in office. It is about the sincerity of purpose, vision, direction, patriotic zeal & iron cast political will to make a positive, enduring change.
