Video clip of General Murtala Muhammed’s speech , Nigeria’s Most Popular Leader

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This is a video clip of General Murtala Muhammed’s speech after the overthrow of General Gowon’s military government in 1975. General Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s 4th Head of State, is regarded as one of the best and progressive leaders Nigeria ever had. He was in power from July 29, 1975 to February 13, 1976 when he was assassinated in an abortive coup attempt led by Lt. Col Buka Suka Dimka. He was succeeded by General Olusegun Obasanjo who completed General Murtala’s plan to return Nigeria to a civilian rule in 1979. Murtala’s portrait is on the 20 Naira note and Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos was named after him.
He died at the age of 37 and was survived by his wife Ajoke Muhammed and children. He is widely regarded as a national hero.


In this video, you will see some familiar faces. May his soul rest in peace!

As evening was approaching on the 30th of July 1975, Murtala made his maiden speech to the nation as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces:

“Fellow Nigerians, Events of the past few years have indicated that despite our great human and material resources, the Government has not been able to fulfill the legitimate expectations of our people. Nigeria has been left to drift. This situation, if not arrested, would inevitably have resulted in chaos and even bloodshed. In the endeavour to build a strong, united and virile nation, Nigerians have shed much blood. The thought of further bloodshed, for whatever reasons must, I am sure, be revolting to our people.

The Armed Forces, having examined the situation, came to the conclusion that certain changes were inevitable. After the civil war, the affairs of state, hitherto a collective responsibility became characterized by lack of consultation, indecision, indiscipline and even neglect. Indeed, the public at large became disillusioned and disappointed by these developments. This trend was clearly incompatible with the philosophy and image of a corrective regime.

Unknown to the general public, the feeling of disillusionment was also evident among members of the armed forces whose administration was neglected but who, out of sheer loyalty to the Nation, and in the hope that there would be a change, continued to suffer in silence. Things got a stage where the head of administration became virtually inaccessible even to official advisers; and when advice was tendered, it was often ignored.

Responsible opinion, including advice by eminent Nigerians, traditional rulers, intellectuals, et cetera, was similarly discarded. The leadership, either by design or default, had become too insensitive to the true feelings and yearnings of the people. The nation was thus plunged inexorably into chaos. It was obvious that matters could not, and should not, be allowed in this manner, and in order to give the nation a new lease of life, and sense of direction, the following decisions were taken:

1. The removal of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of the Federal Military Government and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

2. The retirement of General Yakubu Gowon from the Armed Forces in his present rank of General with full benefits, in recognition of his past services to the nation.

3. General Gowon will be free to return to the country as soon as conditions permit; he will be free to pursue any legitimate undertakings of his choice in any part of the country. His personal safety and freedom and those of his family will be guaranteed.

4. The following members of the Armed Forces are retired with immediate effect: Vice Admiral JEA Wey – Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ, Major-General Hassan Katsina – Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ, Major-General David Ejoor – Chief of Staff (Army), Rear Admiral Nelson Soroh – Chief of Naval Staff, Brigadier EE Ikwue – Chief of Air Staff, and all other officers of the rank of Major General (or equivalent) and above. Alhaji Kam Salem – Inspector General of Police, Chief TA Fagbola – Deputy Inspector General of Police.