On July 30, 1975, Brigadier Murtala Muhammed delivered his first national broadcast as Head of State, barely 24 hours after a bloodless military coup ousted General Yakubu Gowon.
Murtala, 36, a former Inspector of Signals, while addressing the nation on radio and television at 8pm, said the change of government became necessary to restore confidence in public life and to correct what he described as “drift and indecision” in the administration.
Recall that the bloodless coup took place in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, saw General Gowon removed while attending an OAU summit in Kampala, Uganda.
Brigadier Muhammed promised a government of “dynamic action and integrity” and warned public officers against corruption, indiscipline, and inefficiency.
He said urgent steps would be taken to tackle inflation and ensure equitable distribution of national resources.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to a “speedy and orderly return to civilian rule,” but gave no specific date.
He called for national unity and urged Nigerians to support the new administration in rebuilding the country.
“The Armed Forces have acted in the best interest of Nigeria,” Muhammed said. “We have no desire to cling to power. Our aim is to lay a solid foundation for a stable and prosperous nation.”
Brigadier Muhammed was later sworn in at Dodan Barracks, alongside senior military officers who now form the new Supreme Military Council.
