General Murtala Ramat Muhammed [November 8, 1938 - February 13, 1976]

Murtala Ramat Muhammed

In the short span of 201 days in office before he was assassinated forty-two years ago today [February 13, 1976], General Murtala Ramat Muhammed’s dynamic administration gave the country a new sense of direction, duty and patriotism.

The bullet-riddled Mercedes Benz limousine in which Murtala was assassinated. His peaked cap which fell off on the rear could be seen in the direction of the arrow in the  picture

The following are some of the highlights of his administration:

·      Cancellation of the 1973 census which was weighted in favour of the north

·      Establishment of Public Complaints Commission

·      Review of the Third National Development

·      Disengagement of more than 10,000 public officials on account of age, incompetence or malpractice

·      Taking over the operation of the country's two largest newspapers

·      Demobilization of 100,000 troops from the swollen ranks of the armed forces

·      Making broadcasting a federal monopoly

·      Bringing remaining state-run universities under federal control 

·      Creation of 19 states, etc.

Olusegun Obasanjo consoling Murtala's young widow, Ajoke

In recognition of General Murtala Muhammed’s service to his fatherland, the following are some of the things done to immortalize him:

·      Naming of the largest and most modern airport in the country then after him

·      Introduction of the country’s then highest currency denomination with his image on it. He was the first Nigerian to have his image on a Nigerian currency

·      He was declared a National Hero alongside Sir Herbert Macaulay, the first Nigerian to qualify as an engineer; Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister; and Dr. Alvan Ikoku, a great educationist

·      Naming of streets, parks, gardens, buildings and other monuments after him in almost every major city in the country

Credit: Toyin Falola and Matthew Heaton, A History of Nigeria; Ahmed T. Abubakar, A Polity in Transition; and Olusegun Obasanjo, Not My Will.

Twenty Naira is 41 Years Old Today!

Today marks the 41st anniversary of the introduction of the Twenty Naira Note. 

On 11th February, 1977 a new banknote denomination of the value of 20 Naira was issued. 

This was special in two respects:

The N20 (Twenty Naira) banknote was the highest denomination to be introduced then, and its issue became necessary as a result of the growth of incomes in the country; the preference for cash transactions and the need for convenience.

First Generation: Our School Fee was two of this! 

The N20 (Twenty Naira) banknote became the first currency note in Nigeria bearing the Portrait of a Nigerian citizen, in this case, the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (1938-1976) who was the torch bearer of the Nigerian Revolution July, 1975.

Second Generation

He was declared a national hero on the 1st of October,1978. The note was issued on the 1st Anniversary of his assassination as a fitting tribute to a most illustrious son of Nigeria.

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I don’t know whether this is a poem or a song

It is therefore your choice whether it’s to be read or sung

-Onigegewura 

I Wonder Why Well-Meaning Nigerians Can’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems – Tafawa Balewa

“If politics in this country will turn this way, for innocent people to lose their lives, I think that all of us had better think seriously of the future. Democracy does not mean that a man can do what he likes. Indeed all of us, and all political parties are to blame.

When I heard on the floor of this House [of Representative] yesterday, I think, from an honourable member of this honourable House referring to our law courts with great contempt, I began to fear that, if we do not abide by our Constitution and if we do not respect our law courts, the future of this country is very gloomy.

It is for all of us – Members of this House and Members of the Regional Legislatures – to put our heads together now and think of the future.

When we are hurt we say all sorts of things. When we are excited we get even out of control, and we are damaging things. I said on the floor of this House that words are like arrows. When one shoots them out, one cannot recall them. They cause a lot of unhappiness and a lot of bitterness.

I have been in this place for quite a number of years, and I know that there are very well meaning people in this country. I wonder if the well-meaning people cannot put their heads together and really try to find a solution to many of our faults which, I think, sometimes are unnecessary.

So, I would appeal to all members of this House that we should approach these delicate matters objectively and with all sense of responsibilities.”

Sir Tafawa Balewa speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives on the controversies arising from the Western Regional elections, October 1965.

Welfare of the People is the Aim of Good Government

"The aim of a good government is the welfare of the entire people under its jurisdiction. In pursuance of this aim, it is impossible for a government to please everyone. As long, however, as the government is satisfied that any given policy, measure, programme, or legislation, will rebound to the greatest number of the citizens under its charge, it should be inflexible in its path."

-Chief Obafemi Awolowo, November 3, 1959

Federal Road Safety Corps was Soyinka’s Brainchild – Babangida

“Thanks to Prof Wole Soyinka. It [Federal Road Safety Corps] was his idea. It was he who was concerned about road accidents and came up with a programme which they started in Ibadan. I can't remember what it was.

It was Wole Soyinka’s brainchild. We were very good friends, so when he sold this idea to us, we called him and sat with him to know how to replicate the programme he was already doing so well in Ibadan. He said it was doable; that we could do it nationwide.

As a government in those days, we were very receptive to bright ideas. Anybody who came with a very bright idea and was capable of doing it, we gave them support. So, we gave Professor Wole Soyinka all the support and I am glad that till today it is still working.” – Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida

Credit: Matters of Heritage