A daughter of late Head of State General Murtala Ramat Muhammed has attributed her father's assassination to his renowned simplicity and aversion to excessive security protocols.
Speaking at a recent event, Aisha Muhammed explained that her father's modest lifestyle and deliberate choice to avoid heavy protection made him vulnerable during the coup attempt that claimed his life on February 13, 1976.
She highlighted that General Muhammed often moved through ordinary traffic without the elaborate convoys or strict security measures common among leaders, a decision rooted in his principled and down-to-earth character.
This approach, while reflective of his integrity and fearlessness, ultimately facilitated the ease with which assassins carried out the attack as his vehicle was ambushed in Lagos traffic.
The daughter emphasized that his simplicity was not a weakness but a reflection of his devout faith and trust in divine protection.
He reportedly surrendered his fate to God, refusing to live in constant fear or surround himself with layers of guards that could distance him from the people.General Murtala Muhammed, who came to power in a bloodless coup in July 1975, is remembered for his bold anti-corruption drive, administrative reforms, and creation of new states, among other lasting legacies.
His 199-day rule ended abruptly when he was gunned down en route to work, alongside his aide-de-camp, in what was part of a failed coup led by Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka and others.
The family has consistently reflected on how his personal principles intersected with the turbulent political climate of the time, underscoring that his approachable and unpretentious nature, while admirable, contributed to the circumstances of his tragic death.
This perspective revives discussions on leadership style, security trade-offs, and the personal risks faced by reformist figures in Nigeria's history.
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