Personality in Focus
Murtala Mohammed: Remembering Originator of ‘Fellow Nigerians’ 47 Years After
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By Eric Elezuo
He is noted as the first person to use the popular military catch phrase ‘fellow Nigerians’, and popularised it among subsequent leaders, who had used it at all coup situations. He is Murtala Ramat Muhammad GCFR, Nigeria’s third military Head of State, who was murdered in cold blood on February 13, 1976, less than eight months after he took over administration.
Born on November 8, 1938, Mohammed is believed to have led the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup in overthrowing the Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi military regime and featured prominently during the Nigerian Civil War and thereafter ruled over Nigeria from 30 July 1975 until his assassination on that fateful February 13, 1976 morning.
He was in Kano, into a ruling-class religious family, Murtala served in the Nigerian Army as a cadet in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He later served in Congo; eventually rose through the ranks to become brigadier general in 1971, aged 33, becoming one of the youngest generals in Nigeria. Three years later Murtala became the Federal Commissioner for Communications in Lagos. As a conservative and federalist, Murtala regretted the overthrow of the First Republic and the promulgation of Aguiyi Ironsi’s unification decree of 1966. He was devastated by the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, and for a time seriously considered the secession of Northern Nigeria. His career redoubled after Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and the young majors orchestrated the first military coup in Nigeria of 1966 coup empowering him to lead the mutiny of the night of 29 July 1966 in Abeokuta. Murtala was briefly considered as Supreme Commander before the appointment of Yakubu Gowon. He also masterminded the July 1966 counter coup, which evidently, sparked the Nigerian Civil War.
During the war, he commandeered Nigeria’s second infantry division which was responsible for the death of civilians and much of the rebels. His command’s use of veteran soldiers, no quarter, and scorched earth strategies led to between 10,000 and 30,000 deaths. Combined with the total wartime death toll of three million making the civil war one of the deadliest in modern history. Three years later the Federal military government declared victory which bolstered Murtala’s image over Nigeria and in particular the north as a military leader through the post-war era of “reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation”. In post-civil-war Nigeria, Murtala ruled with more power than any Nigerian leader before or since, and developed a charismatic authority and cult of personality. During the Cold War he maintained Nigerian neutrality through participation in the non-aligned movement but supported the Soviet Union — during the latter’s effort in the Angolan Civil War
Nigeria under Murtala presided over a period of rampant economic prosperity. At the same time, his regime transitioned from being authoritarian into consensus decision-making with Murtala the leader of a military triumvirate, alongside Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma. The dictatorship softened and Murtala unveiled plans for the demilitarization of politics. In 1976 barely seven months into his nascent rule Murtala without having time to see his plans implemented was assassinated in a failed coup d’ètat attempt, being succeeded by Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State, who, in turn, led the Nigerian transition to democracy with the Second Nigerian Republic.
The legacy of Murtala in Nigerian history remains controversial as the nature of his rule changed over time. His reign was marked by both brutal repression, and economic prosperity, which greatly improved the quality of life in Nigeria. His dictatorial style proved highly adaptable, which enabled wide-sweeping social and economic reform, while consistent pursuits during his reign centered on highly centralised government, authoritarianism, federalism, national Federalism, and pan-Africanism.
Murtala Muhammed was born on November 8, 1938 in Kano. His father, Muhammed Riskuwa, was from the Fulani Genawa clan, who had a history of Islamic jurisprudence as both his paternal grandfather Suleman and paternal great-grandfather Mohammed Zangi served as Chief Judges in Kano Emirate and held the title of chief Alkali of Kano. His father worked in the Kano Native Authority and was related to Aminu Kano, Inuwa Wada, and Aminu Wali. He died in 1953, his mother, Uwani Rahamatu, was from the Kanuri and Fulani Jobawa clan, the Jobawa clan members include the Makama of Kano and Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, his maternal grandfather Yakubu Soja a World War I veteran was from Dawakin Tofa while his maternal grandmother Hajiya Hauwau (Aya) was from Gezawa, he was educated at Cikin Gida Elementary School which was inside the emir’s palace.
He then transferred to Gidan Makama primary school in Kano which was just outside the palace. He then proceeded to Kano Middle School (now Rumfa College, Kano) in 1949, before attending the famous Government College (now Barewa College) in Zaria, where he obtained his school certificate in 1957. At Barewa College, Muhammed was a member of the Cadet Corps and was captain of shooting in his final year. In 1957, he obtained a school leaving certificate and applied to join the Nigerian army later in the year.
Murtala Muhammed joined the Nigerian Army in 1958. He spent short training stints in Nigeria and Ghana and then was trained as an officer cadet at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in England. After his training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961 and assigned to the Nigerian Army Signals that same year, later spending a short stint with the No. 3 Brigade Signals Troop in Congo In 1962, Muhammed was appointed aide-de-camp to M. A. Majekodunmi, the federally-appointed administrator of the Western Region.
In 1963, he became the officer-in-charge of the First Brigade Signal Troop in Kaduna, Nigeria. That year he traveled to the Royal Corps of Signals at Catterick Garrison, England for a course on advanced telecommunications techniques. On his return to Nigeria in 1964, he was promoted to major and appointed officer-commanding, 1st Signal Squadron in Apapa, Lagos. In November 1965, he was made acting Chief of Signals of the Army, while his paternal uncle, Inuwa Wada had recently been appointed Defense Minister.
Mohammed’s coup in 1966 led to the installation of Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon as Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, despite the intransigence of Muhammed who wanted the role of Supreme Commander for himself. However, as Gowon was militarily his senior, and finding a lack of support from the British and American advisors, he caved in. Gowon rewarded him by confirming his ranking (he had been an acting Lt. Colonel until then) and his appointment (Inspector of Signals).
In June 1968, he relinquished his commanding position and was posted to Lagos and appointed Inspector of Signals. In April 1968, he was promoted to colonel. The actions of the division during this period, mostly in Asaba became a subject of speculation. In a book published in 2017, S. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser Ottanelli document the 1967 mass murder of civilians by troops of the 2 Division under General Muhammed’s command. They also discuss the events leading up to the massacre, and its impact on Asaba and on the progress of the war, as well as other civilian massacres carried out by soldiers of the 2nd Division at Onitsha and Isheagu.
Between 1970 and 1971, he attended the Joint Service Staff College in England, his supervisor’s report attributed him to having ”a quick agile mind, considerable ability and common sense. He holds strong views which he puts forward in a forthright manner. He is a strong character and determined. However, he finds it difficult to moderate his opinions and finds it difficult to enter into debate with others whose views he may not share”.After the war, he was promoted to brigadier-general in October 1971. Between 1971 and 1974, Muhammed was involved in routine activities within the signals unit of the army. However, he also disagreed with some of the policies being pursued by Gowon.
On 7 August 1974, the head of state, General Yakubu Gowon appointed him as the new Federal Commissioner for Communications, which he combined with his military duties as Inspector of Signals at the Army Signals Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos. On 7 August 1974, General Yakubu Gowon appointed Muhammed as the Federal commissioner (position now called Minister) for communications to oversee and facilitate the nation’s development of cost effective communication infrastructures during the oil boom. After the war and after he took power as head of state, Muhammed started the reorganization and demobilization of 100,000 troops from the armed forces. The number of troops in the armed forces decreased from 250,000 to 150,000.
On 29 July 1975, General Yakubu Gowon was overthrown while attending the 12th summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Kampala, Uganda. Muhammed took power as the new Military Head of State. Brigadiers Obasanjo (later Lt. General) and Danjuma (later Lt. General) were appointed as Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ and Chief of Army Staff, respectively.
In the coup d’état that brought him to power he introduced the phrases “Fellow Nigerians” and “with immediate effect” to the national lexicon. In a short time, Murtala Muhammed’s policies won him broad popular support, and his decisiveness elevated him to the status of a folk hero.
However his highly popular, often televised “with immediate effect” style of governing, also gained some criticism amongst the countries top civil servants – some of which were Nigeria’s top intellectuals. His ad-hoc Presidential proclamations left his civil service often unprepared, lacking details or even funding to implement his ideas, and his administration led to the dismissal of thousands of civil servants. Over 10,000 civil servants, government employees were dismissed without benefits; reasons stated were age, health, incompetence, or malpractice. The removal of such a large amount of public officials affected the public service, the judiciary, the police and armed forces, the diplomatic service, public corporations, and university officials. Quite a few officials were tried on corruption charges, and an ex-military state governor was executed for gross office misconduct.
Muhammed took federal control of the country’s two largest newspapers – Daily Times and New Nigerian; all media in Nigeria was now under federal control. He also took federal control of the remaining state-run universities. On February 3, 1976, the Military Government of Murtala Muhammed created new states and renamed others, the states he created include: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo. This brought the total number of states in Nigeria to nineteen in 1976.
As head of state, Muhammed put in place plans to build a new Federal Capital Territory due to Lagos being overcrowded. He set up a panel headed by Justice Akinola Aguda, which chose the Abuja area as the new capital ahead of other proposed locations. On February 3, 1976, Muhammed announced that the Federal Capital would in the future move to a federal territory location of about 8,000 square kilometres in the central part of the country.
Towards the end of 1975, the administration implemented a mass purge in the Nigerian civil service. The civil service was viewed as undisciplined and lacking a sense of purpose. A retrenchment exercise was implemented as part of a strategy to refocus the service.
Source: Wikipedia
Personality in Focus
Prince Joseph Idiong Headlines NOMA’s Responsible Reporting, Substance Abuse Prevention Workshop
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA), a coalition of digital media publishers and journalists committed to promoting ethical journalism, media development, and impactful public advocacy across Nigeria is delighted to present Prince Joseph Idiong, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE), as a Special Guest Speaker at the Media Practitioners’ Capacity Building Programme on Responsible Reporting and Substance Abuse Prevention.
Prince Joseph Idiong is a distinguished communications strategist, international trade expert, commercial diplomat, and private sector advocate whose professional career spans over four decades across the media, public relations, advertising, international trade, export development, and business consultancy sectors.
Widely respected for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s export sector and international trade relations, Prince Idiong has built an enviable reputation as a bridge-builder between government, business, development institutions, and the international trading community. His extensive experience in media and communications, combined with his expertise in export promotion and commercial diplomacy, places him among Nigeria’s foremost authorities on non-oil exports, trade facilitation, and economic diversification.
A Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR) since 1995 and a Member of the Business Education Exams Council (MBEEC), Prince Idiong began his professional journey in broadcasting when he joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) as an Announcer in 1977. His passion for communication and public engagement later took him to the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, where he further honed his skills in electronic media.
His successful transition into print journalism saw him rise to the position of Industrial Editor of the Nigerian Industrialist Magazine, where he developed a deep understanding of Nigeria’s industrial and business environment. His outstanding performance in media practice subsequently earned him appointments as Special Projects Consultant to both Guardian Magazine and TELL Magazine, two of Nigeria’s most influential publications.
Beyond journalism, Prince Idiong distinguished himself in the fields of public relations and advertising, working with Seric Advertising Limited in Lagos before co-founding Bigtime Productions Limited, an integrated communications company that provided public relations, advertising, marketing, and strategic communication services to corporate and institutional clients.
His academic and professional development journey reflects a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. He received professional communications training at Calabar Polytechnic, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training School—now the National Broadcasting Academy—as well as the Business Education Exams Council and the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an affiliate of the University of Maiduguri.
His extensive public relations consultancy work exposed him to business development and non-profit sector advisory services through engagements with major organisations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Akwa Ibom State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE). His remarkable contributions eventually led to his appointment as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigerian Exporters, the umbrella body representing Nigerian exporters and export-oriented businesses.
In the international trade sector, Prince Idiong is a Fellow of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (FIEx) and one of Nigeria’s most experienced trade promotion professionals. He has served on the Board of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) from 2005 to 2016 and later as a Board Member of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) from 2018 to 2023, contributing significantly to policy formulation, export promotion, and investment development initiatives.
For more than twenty-five years, he has been actively engaged in Commercial Diplomacy Practice, developing expertise in international trade negotiations, export development strategies, investment promotion, and economic cooperation. His professional accomplishments include obtaining international certifications in fifteen export trade courses, in addition to participating in numerous local and international trade workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programmes.
As an international resource person and trade mission leader, Prince Idiong has represented Nigeria and the private sector in over twenty countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, including the United States, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. His contributions have helped strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationships, expand market access opportunities, and promote Nigerian businesses on the global stage.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2006 when he served as the Nigerian Government-nominated and United States Government-preferred Lead Negotiator during the USA-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) negotiations held at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In this strategic role, Prince Idiong successfully led negotiations with key U.S. government agencies on matters affecting bilateral trade and transportation relations between both countries. His efforts contributed significantly to the lifting of the ban on direct flights between Nigeria and the United States, a major milestone in Nigeria-U.S. diplomatic and commercial relations.
Another landmark achievement was his successful engagement with the United States Export-Import Bank (US EXIM Bank), where he negotiated the establishment of a dedicated financing facility for businesses operating under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). His intervention resulted in the approval of the Nigerian Banking Facility, which commenced with a funding commitment of $300 million and later expanded to $1 billion, creating significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters and businesses seeking access to international markets.
Throughout his career, Prince Idiong has participated in numerous bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Nigeria. These include the United Nations Commission for Europe Trade Facilitation Negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland; the United States-Nigeria Trade and Investment Framework Agreement negotiations in Washington, D.C.; and the Nigeria-China Bilateral Trade Negotiations in Beijing, China.
In recent years, he has continued to play an active role in shaping trade and export policy across Africa. He was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Egypt in 2018 and South Africa in 2021. In 2022, he participated in the Federal Government delegation to the inauguration of the Nigerian Export Trade House in Nairobi, Kenya.
As a thought leader and respected speaker on international trade and economic development, Prince Idiong has delivered keynote addresses and presentations at major national and international events. In 2023, he served as Guest Speaker at the Central Bank of Nigeria Export Seminars held in Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. In 2024, he was a featured speaker at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Workshop organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in partnership with the European Commission in Abuja. He also spoke at the Africa Agri Council Conference, where he shared valuable insights on agricultural exports, regional trade integration, and economic transformation.
As a Speaker at this programme, Prince Joseph Idiong brings a wealth of experience in communications, international trade, economic diplomacy, business development, and public policy. His unique perspective on the intersection of media, commerce, governance, and national development will provide participants with valuable insights into how responsible communication and strategic engagement can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development.
Participants can look forward to learning from a seasoned communications professional, accomplished trade diplomat, and respected business leader whose career has been dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s interests, expanding opportunities for exporters, and strengthening the country’s position in the global economy.
For partnership, sponsorship, participation, and media enquiries, interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to contact the organisers.
Media Contacts: Call: 08034499132; 08165322757 and 09034242439. Email:nomamedia25@gmail.com
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving construction and infrastructure landscape, professionals who combine technical expertise, leadership, innovation, and integrity continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s development. Among such professionals is Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam, a distinguished builder, civil engineer, construction technologist, and entrepreneur whose commitment to excellence has positioned him as a respected figure in the construction industry.
As the Managing Director of Depunz Construction Limited, Engr. Bldr. Michael Hosea is actively contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s built environment through the delivery of quality construction projects, infrastructure development, project management services, and sustainable engineering solutions. His professional journey reflects years of dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for creating structures that improve lives and support national development.
Born on September 11, 1983, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, Michael Hosea developed an early interest in construction, engineering, and the practical application of technology to solve societal challenges. This passion led him to pursue a strong educational foundation in the built environment, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Technology, a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Science Degree in Construction Technology.
His academic background has equipped him with a unique multidisciplinary perspective, enabling him to understand and manage the technical, structural, managerial, and operational aspects of construction projects from conception to completion. This combination of knowledge has become one of his greatest strengths as a construction professional.
A firm believer in professional excellence and ethical practice, Engr. Hosea is a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB) and is duly registered with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian society of Engineers. These professional affiliations underscore his commitment to maintaining industry standards and delivering projects that meet established regulations and best practices.
Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience working with reputable organizations and construction firms, including Allied Consultants and Projects, Edil Belmonte Nigeria Limited, the Borno State Ministry of Works and Transport during his National Youth Service, and Eddiliz Nigeria Limited. These experiences exposed him to diverse construction projects, engineering challenges, and project management responsibilities that have significantly shaped his professional competence.
Driven by a desire to provide innovative solutions to Nigeria’s growing infrastructure needs, Engr. Hosea played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Depunz Construction Limited, an indigenous building construction and civil engineering company incorporated in 2013. The company was established to respond to the increasing demand for quality infrastructure and development services in Nigeria and other developing economies.
Under his leadership, Depunz Construction Limited has grown into a multidisciplinary construction and engineering firm providing services across several sectors of the economy. The company’s operations cover architectural design, building construction, civil and structural engineering works, project management and planning, electrical power development, water engineering, renewable energy applications, development consultancy, and turnkey project delivery.
One of the hallmarks of Engr. Hosea’s leadership is his commitment to assembling and managing a highly skilled team of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders, and technical specialists. Through this collaborative approach, Depunz Construction Limited has successfully executed a range of projects, including residential developments, institutional facilities, infrastructure works, renovation projects, and engineering installations.
The company’s project portfolio demonstrates its capacity to handle diverse assignments. Among notable projects are the remodeling and conversion of residential buildings into modern duplexes, construction of residential developments in Plateau State and Abuja, renovation of housing units, design and supervision of institutional facilities, and the development of student accommodation projects.
Beyond traditional construction, Engr. Hosea has embraced the growing importance of sustainability in development. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he actively promotes renewable energy applications, sustainable building practices, rural electrification initiatives, water supply infrastructure, and environmentally responsible engineering solutions. His vision aligns with global efforts to create resilient communities and sustainable urban development.
As a practicing professional, Engr. Hosea remains actively involved in project planning, construction supervision, quality assurance, client engagement, and strategic business development. His hands-on leadership style enables him to maintain close oversight of projects while ensuring that client expectations, safety standards, and quality specifications are consistently achieved.
Colleagues and industry associates describe him as a disciplined professional, a strategic thinker, and a results-oriented leader who approaches every project with a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail. His ability to balance technical precision with practical execution has earned him the confidence of clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.
Beyond business success, Engr. Hosea views construction as a vehicle for national development. He believes that quality infrastructure is essential for economic growth, social progress, and improved living standards. This philosophy continues to guide his professional decisions and inspires his commitment to delivering projects that create lasting value for communities.
Today, as Nigeria seeks innovative solutions to its housing deficit, infrastructure challenges, and sustainable development goals, Engr. Michael Hosea continues to play a significant role in advancing the nation’s development agenda. Through Depunz Construction Limited, he remains dedicated to providing professional expertise, engineering excellence, and practical solutions that contribute to building stronger communities and a more prosperous future.
His story is one of vision, perseverance, professional growth, and purposeful leadership. It is a story that reflects the transformative power of expertise and determination in shaping the physical environment and creating opportunities for future generations.
For Engr. Michael Hosea, every completed project represents more than a structure of concrete, steel, and bricks. It represents a commitment fulfilled, a problem solved, a community strengthened, and another step toward building the Nigeria of tomorrow.
Professional Profile at a Glance
Name: Engr. Michael Hosea Chihirvwam
Profession: Builder, Civil Engineer, Construction Technologist, Entrepreneur
Position: Managing Director, Depunz Construction Limited
Date of Birth: September 11, 1983
Academic Qualifications:
– B.Sc. Building
– B.Eng. Civil Engineering
– M.Sc. Construction Technology
Professional Memberships:
– Member, Nigerian Institute of Building (MNIOB)
– Registered Builder, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON)
Core Areas of Expertise:
– Building Construction
– Civil and Structural Engineering
– Project Management
– Construction Technology
– Infrastructure Development
– Water Engineering
– Renewable Energy Applications
– Development Consultancy
Vision:
To contribute meaningfully to national development through innovative, sustainable, and high-quality construction solutions that improve lives and transform communities.
This article is controbuted by Theresa Moses
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Iniedu Aniette Okokon as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).
The new spokesperson replaces Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who was appointed to the role three months ago shortly after Disu assumed office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police.
The changes were formally conveyed through a Police Wireless Message signed by the Force Secretary and circulated to relevant departments, commands and formations of the Nigeria Police Force, notifying officers of the immediate leadership transition in the Force Public Relations Department, as well as accompanying redeployments affecting other strategic units.
CSP Okokon, until his new appointment, served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Although the police authorities have yet to provide official details explaining the circumstances behind the sudden reshuffle, sources within the Force Headquarters told THEWILL that the outgoing police spokesperson has been redeployed to the Lagos State Police Command, where he is expected to take up new responsibilities in line with the latest personnel adjustments within the Force.
