Lai Mohammed extols Gen. Murtala Muhammed 40 years after assassination

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture, has called on the Nigerian youths to see themselves as key players in the nation’s socio-economic and political development as demonstrated by former military head of state, late Gen. Murtala Muhammed.

The minister who was represented by Dr Anikwe Ferdinard, the director general, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), said this at the opening of an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Gen. Murtala Muhammed at National Museum, Lagos on Friday, February 12.


The exhibition tagged, ”Our Hero Past: General Murtala Ramat Muhammed” was jointly organised by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in conjuction with the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA and the Murtala Muhammed Foundation.

Gen. Murtala Muhammed was the military head of state between July 30, 1975 and February 13,1976 when he was assassinated in a botched coup led by the then Lt. Col. Bukar Suka Dimka.

The minister implored Nigerians to see themselves as veritable tools in the change agenda and vision of the present government at the center and endeavour to make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic and political developments of our great country-Nigeria.

Mohammed said that the late general lived a worthy, patriotic and heroic life worthy of emulation by the present generation of military and political leaders.

He said: “His assassination on February 13, 1976 was a great loss to the nation. The 40th anniversary of a bloody coup that terminated the heroic service of Gen. Murtala Muhammed to our dear nation and to humanity. The coup in which he was assassinated was a watershed in the political history of Nigeria.”

Mohammed described the late general as a gallant, brave and patriotic soldier that served the nation in various capacities during his military career.

The minister of information ended his address with with one of the quotes of the late general: “It is incumbent on us not to misuse our public offices and to hold scared and utilize in the most efficient manner, the public offices and public funds entrusted to the care of the federal military government.”