Murtala Muhammed’s modest lifestyle made assassination possible — Daughter

Aisha Muhammed, daughter of the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has said her father’s simple lifestyle and leadership approach made it easier for him to be assassinated in 1976.

Speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show on Monday, Aisha, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, reflected on her father’s leadership on the 50th anniversary of his death. She described him as a leader who embodied accountability, responsibility, and discipline, insisting that his personal conduct mirrored his strong anti-corruption stance.

“He believed corruption was a cankerworm that would destroy society, and he didn’t just talk about it—he lived it,” she said, noting that his clarity and commitment to principled leadership defined his short tenure.

Aisha explained that General Muhammed deliberately avoided the trappings of power, including heavy security, motorcades, and sirens, choosing instead to live like an ordinary Nigerian. “He was travelling in traffic like everyone else. Traffic wardens even stopped them, just like they would any other vehicle. That was when the coup plotters struck,” she said.

General Muhammed had come to power in July 1975 after a bloodless coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon. During his brief 200-day rule, he implemented reforms including the dismissal of over 10,000 officials accused of corruption, the creation of seven new states, and initiating plans to move the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Aisha stressed that her father’s refusal to seek personal comfort or special protection reflected his principles, even though it increased the risks to his life.

“It was painful, yes, but that was the leadership he embodied,” she said, adding that his legacy reminds leaders to live the values they preach and fight corruption with integrity.