By Danusa Ocholi
February 13, marked exactly 47 years that one of Nigeria’s most dynamic leaders and an anti-corruption crusader, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed was killed in a coup d’etat precisely on February 13, 1976 in Lagos while the Nigerian leader was on his way to office..
A notable human rights activist, humanitarian, anti-corruption crusader community leader and publisher of Capital Watch Media magazine, His Excellency Ambassador Aminu Abubakar Majidadi has enjoined Nigerian leaders and the citizens to use the occasion of the anniversary of Murtala’s death to remember and imbibe the virtues that endeared General Murtala to Nigerians even nearly five decades after his death. Ambassador Majidadi maintained that Murtala carved a place for himself in history with his patriotism, discipline, leadership by example, zero tolerance for corruption, love for the poor and needy; and commitment to an egalitarian Nigeria. Murtala was equally noted for espousing Pan- African jdeals. Ambassador Majidadi expressed regret that while most leaders that governed the affairs of this country after Murtala failed to live up to his ideals, especially in the fight against corruption, he enjoined Nigeria’s incoming leaders to promote the ideals the virtues which Murtala was noted for as the go to the polls in the next few days to face the electorate.
Ambassador Majidadi maintained in a statement he issued in Abuja on Monday: “We all owe General Murtala Mohammed even in death the noble idea of the creation of Abuja as the nation’s capital when it was realized that Lagos was getting too congested to continue to serve that role. Again Murtala was dogged in the fight against corruption. I wish to therefore enjoin Nigerians and the incoming leaders in particular to display the ideals of patriotism and zero-tolerance for corruption in particular which the late Nigerian leader was known for.”
He expressed delight that Nigerians will not forget those who stood for uprightness and justice as the country named the International Airport in Lagos after the late leader, and have his image on the country’s currency, among others.
Ambassador Majidadi stressed that “the legacies of Murtala should inspire the present leader, as those that live for the nation and its people will not be forgotten, long after they have left us.
