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As Nigerians commemorated 47th anniversary of the death of erstwhile Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, yesterday, the need for decisive leadership as the country prepares for the general elections holding in 11 days, has been stressed.
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), which has kept the memory alive, said the year’s celebration was dedicated to the late leader’s philosophy in the spirit of the upcoming polls.
In a statement, issued yesterday, upon her return from Kano, the birthplace of the departed Head of State, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, recollected that the Muhammed regime birthed the transition to democratic rule, which was concluded by his successor, the then Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd).
“The greatest gift for the late Head of State’s 47th memorial anniversary is to ensure a smooth transition through free and fair general elections on February 25, 2023, decisive governance and empathetic leadership that has the interest of the masses at heart,” she charged.
The CEO stressed: “The nation is at a crossroads, and indeed the focus of this year’s memorial was prayers at General Muhammed’s graveside, for the elections to usher in the type of governance envisioned by Murtala Muhammed and his team.
“During his brief tenure in power, the late General’s administration prevailed in the battle against indiscipline, while also creating the institutions that would engender nationalism and sustainable peace and security within Nigeria’s borders.
“General Muhammed’s administration fought corruption to a standstill and began the process of moving the federal capital to Abuja, addressed the issue of bureaucratic inefficiency, and, most importantly, initiated the process for a return to civilian rule.
“He undoubtedly held a great belief in the existence of a powerful and vibrant Nigeria within an independent, yet united and affluent Africa. Unquestionably a belief that Nigerians can replicate in their voting choices in the upcoming general elections.
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