By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday publicly commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, describing his performance in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges as commendable.

Speaking during an official visit to Adamawa State, Ribadu’s home state, the President expressed confidence in the NSA’s leadership and commitment to restoring peace across the country.

“The National Security Adviser, the son of the soil, Nuhu Ribadu, I must say clearly here that you are doing an excellent job, and we are seeing the results,” Tinubu said.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to combat insecurity, the President added: “With you, we will defeat the bandits and terrorists. You are a good National Security Adviser — honest, courageous, and committed to the job.”

Tinubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of a public disagreement between Ribadu and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

El-Rufai recently alleged that the NSA was behind moves to have him arrested through security operatives and further accused Ribadu of involvement in the importation of dangerous chemicals into the country.

Ribadu has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. He challenged the former governor to substantiate his claims before the State Security Service and insisted that due process should be followed.

The President’s public endorsement of Ribadu is widely interpreted as a vote of confidence in his security architecture at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, particularly in parts of the North-West and North-East.

By reaffirming his trust in the NSA, Tinubu signaled continuity in his administration’s security strategy and underscored his determination to confront criminal elements destabilising the country.

Political observers say the development could further heighten tensions surrounding the dispute, even as the presidency maintains that its primary focus remains the fight against insecurity nationwide.

Half a century after his assassination, the legacy of General Murtala Ramat Mohammed continues to resonate across Nigeria and beyond. At a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of his death, organized by the Kano Patriotic Front in collaboration with Bayero University Kano, speakers described him as a leader whose courage, reforms, and patriotism remain etched in the nation’s conscience.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Oduaredu Ogomudia, who served under Murtala as Head of Corps Signals, reflected on the enduring impact of the late Head of State. “His actions spoke louder than his voice,” Ogomudia said, emphasizing that Murtala’s leadership style was defined by sacrifice and unwavering influence.

Ogomudia said General Ishola Williams, who was close to Murtala, described him as a man of charisma and empathy. He highlighted Murtala’s decisiveness, transformational leadership, and insistence on accountability in public service. “Courage defined him. He took difficult decisions, demanded accountability, and embarked on bold reforms,” Said General Alexander . He recalled Murtala’s famous “Africa has come of age” speech, which asserted Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent and remains a landmark in African diplomacy. “He was bold, straight to the point, and a man with a sense of purpose,”.

General Alexander Ogomudia was Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2001 to 2003 and Chief of Defence Staff from 2003 to 2006.

Representing Bauchi State Governor, Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwalu Jatau (Madugun Katagum) praised Murtala’s enduring legacy. “His name is permanently in the conscience of our nation despite his brief stint as Head of State,” Jatau said. He described Murtala as not only a Nigerian hero but also an African icon who rekindled hope in the Nigerian spirit and upheld the dignity of the Black race. “His decisiveness was admired by his peers, respected by his subordinates, and his legacy continues to be blessed long after he left this world,” he added.

Jatau also noted that the creation of Bauchi State remains one of Murtala’s enduring legacies, underscoring his commitment to national unity and development. “He died for his beloved country, and today he is remembered. Generations yet unborn will continue to honor him,” he said.

The anniversary celebration also featured the launch of a book in Murtala’s honor, further cementing his place in Nigeria’s historical narrative. Speakers agreed that his brief but impactful tenure as Head of State left behind a leadership template defined by discipline, courage, and patriotism.

Fifty years on, Murtala Mohammed’s story remains one of sacrifice and unwavering influence. His reforms, his bold stance on African independence, and his insistence on accountability continue to inspire Nigerians and Africans alike, ensuring that his legacy endures across generations.

The sister of Nigeria’s late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, has sought to put an end to lingering debates about his ancestral roots. Hajiya Balaraba Ramat Yakubu made the remarks at the launch of her new book, Unveiling the Ancestral Root of Nigerian General, organized by the Kano Patriotic Front in collaboration with Bayero University, Kano.

Speaking at the event, Hajiya Balaraba emphasized her direct family connection to the late leader, stating that they shared the same mother. She explained that since his assassination in 1976, Murtala’s heroism, patriotism, and enduring popularity have led some Nigerians to question his Kano origins. “Many Nigerians are saying he is not from Kano,” she said, adding that the book was written to debunk such claims and preserve the truth about their lineage.

Hajiya Balaraba stressed that false narratives about Murtala’s background had persisted for decades, making it necessary to document their family history. She traced their roots back to their great-grandfathers, underscoring the importance of preserving the family’s heritage for future generations.

Book reviewer and researcher Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa echoed this sentiment, noting that it was “pertinent to project and protect the ancestry of General Murtala Mohammed through documented writings.” Kurawa revealed that his research established Murtala’s grandfather, Alkali Suleiman, as the Chief Judge of Kano during the reign of Emir Alu, who was deposed by the British in 1903. This, he argued, firmly situates Murtala’s lineage within Kano’s historical leadership.

Sarkin Shanun Kano, who also serves as Vice President of the Barewa Old Boys Association, reflected on Murtala’s formative years at Barewa College between 1952 and 1957. He described him as a disciplined student, active in debates and athletics, and a natural mediator in disputes. “He lived briefly and intensely, leaving a leadership template that is still relevant today,” he said. “He showed that patriotism is action.”

Hasiya Mukhtar, sharing a personal recollection passed down from her father, who was a friend of Murtala, remembered his fondness for children. “He liked children; he used to carry me on his shoulders,” she said, painting a picture of a leader whose warmth complemented his fierce commitment to Nigeria.