President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday described the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, as “a military officer with democratic traditions and love in his veins,” saying his short-lived administration laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s return to civil rule and Africa’s liberation. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu spoke at a commemorative event organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation in Abuja, attended by former African presidents, diplomats and traditional rulers. “Late General Murtala Muhammed was my uncle. “Imagine at that time someone as powerful as Henry Kissinger wanting to come to Nigeria and General Murtala Muhammed telling him you are not welcome. “If Murtala Muhammed had taken money from his country and stashed it in a U.S. or Swiss bank account, he would never have given that speech, challenging African leaders to reclaim the continent’s lost pride.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 12, 2026 20:12 UTC