President Bola Tinubu has led other dignitaries to pay tribute to Nigeria’s former Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, during a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of his assassination.
The president was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume at the solemn event, held at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) grounds in the Central Business District, Garki, on Friday.
The wreath-laying, led by President Tinubu’s representative, was preceded by a minute of silence in a ceremony marked by reflection and reverence.
Also present at the ceremony was the President of Angola, João Lourenço, represented by his Special Envoy, Dr. Dionisio Manuel Da Fonseca, Executive Minister and Chief of the Civil House of the President.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Risqua Muhammed described his father as “an unrelenting patriot who believed Nigeria can be stronger than the divisions that hold us back.”
He noted that the commemoration was a reminder of the quality of leadership the late Head of State embodied.
“General Murtala Muhammed ruled for just 200 days, yet he is still remembered. What matters is not how long you stay in office, but what you do and how your legacy affects the lives of others,” he said.
In a tribute delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Army, the Military Secretary, Major General Evaristus Okoro, described the late leader as a soldier-statesman whose legacy continues to challenge institutions to uphold professionalism and accountability.
“Remembrance must translate into responsibility. This tribute is an opportunity for us to recommit to disciplined service, national unity, and the ideals of leadership that place country above self,” he stated.
The commemorative activities concluded with a special Juma’at prayer at the Abuja National Mosque, where clerics, members of the Muhammed family, senior government officials and invited guests prayed for the repose of the late Head of State and for national unity.
