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The Political Economy of Cryptocurrency

Published

5 years ago

on

M A Iliasu

 

 

-By Muhammad Ahmad Iliasu.

 

One would have to wonder how huge the work rate of economic theory must be to astonishingly liberate existential debates on the possibility or otherwise, the undertones and the future of currency digitalization – which has been the major talking phenomenon since the slump in 2008. Nevertheless, a free flow of theoretical opinions and treatise prescriptions by established economists, prophecies of doom and suggestions in persuasion by ecosystem commentators is only expected when the phenomenon is a determining factor on the future of money and the role of government.

 

Cryptocurrency as the so-called apolitical and decentralized digital currency is an economic phenomenon like any other, unlike what many people think, and therefore has a meaningful context inside the economic theory. On its own merits, its warranted to say that the economic relevance of the phenomenon takes the courtesy of massaging the idea of the monetary economists who hold immense reservations upon the centralization of money supply and government intervention in general, along the line rattling the scrutiny of the neo-Keynesian economists and their sensitivity to the centralization of money supply and government intervention generally.

 

Predicting the major stand of the two distinguished schools would economically speaking, be as easier as tracing the economic backgrounds of their distinctive arguments. The neo-Keynesians would naturally be anti-cryptocurrency for the threat it cast upon centralization and the policing of financial bubbles. While the monetarists would be more inclined to be pro-cryptocurrency for the opportunity it brings their thoughts on fixation and decentralization. Why they hold their stands should be discussed later in the essay.

 

-What is a cryptocurrency and why has it been introduced?

 

The 2008 global financial crisis was a moment in history during which bankers’ hubris blew out spectacularly. The big number of jobs, businesses, houses and assets lost to crisis crushed people’s optimism to the level where the trust between economic society and bankers alongside their politicians allies arrived under radical scrutiny. People felt the impact of the crisis and therefore no longer trust the engineers that created it – the bankers and the politicians. As a response, the Central Bank governors of the G-20 organized a meeting to discuss how the bankers were to be rescued from the financial disaster. The concerned populace who understood how banking hubris works and what the bailout could turn out to be, began to exercise the hope and thoughts of having a medium of exchange (read: currency or money), that get affected neither by the hubris of bankers nor by the skeptical government intervention. An apolitical money that can’t be controlled by the central, and democratically decentralized in a nature that it’ll be a currency of the people, for the people and by the people.

 

In an attempt to satisfy people’s wish for apolitical currency, an email was received bearing the signature of Satoshi Nakamoto (who is still yet to be to identified) carrying an algorithm that meets people’s ideals, what we currently call “Bitcoin”. The beauty of Nakamoto’s algorithm was that it did away with the ledger run by a central authority but still managed to ensure that a single currency unit could never be copied or spent twice. The whole community using Bitcoin would share in the task by each making available a small part of their computer’s capacity for this purpose. Everyone would observe everyone else’s transactions, ensuring their validity, while at the same time no one would know whose transactions they were observing, safeguarding privacy. Many people around the world were enthused and signed up. Until a large scandal perpetrated by entrepreneurs who exploited people’s fears against fraud to collect their quantity of Bitcoin for safeguarding only for them to run away with it. And with the absence of a centralized controller, people lost their money without insurance or bailout.

 

That was the inception of cryptocurrency and the reason behind its introduction. But as any logical thinker could guess, the nature of the currency and the reasons behind it are all pending the complexities of an ecosystem that doesn’t get easily overrun by the wildness of popular fantasies. Some of those complexities were explained inside the economic theory, experienced in the past, and are the skeletal frameworks forming the arguments of the monetarists and Neo-Keynesians.

 

-Crisis and Logic of History.

 

When the hell of economic crisis broke loose in Europe and America back in 1929, a policy prescription that aimed at controlling inflation was introduced which convinced the US and the European economies to print only the quantity supply of money that corresponds to the same amount of gold reserve, the so-called “Gold Standard”. Through Gold Standard, economies were cuffed to hinder the reckless printing of money – which was the determining factor in the surge of inflation. For if countries are obliged to print money with respect to gold reserve – something with limited, though intrinsic supply – the velocity of money in circulation would be reasonable and the money supply is tied to a commodity that doesn’t get assassinated by inflation. That way, the countries found a standard and common dictator of their currency value, just like the dollar nowadays. But a few years later, the demand for money began to exceed the supply, due to the limited supply of money as a result of printing per unit of gold. And shortly afterward, the story changed. Inflation – an occurrence when the quantity of money in the economy chases the same quantity of a commodity, causing the prices to unhealthily rise – culminated into what the economists call “Deflation” – an occurrence when too less quantity of money chases significantly higher quantity of commodities, causing a significant a fall in the price of goods and services below their actual and reasonable value.

 

The deflation in the US forced the hands of the then government under President Roosevelt, and the European economies, the emissary of which was the famous John Maynard Keynes, to abolish the “Gold Standard”. It was later adopted and abolished once again by President Nixon in the 70s. The underlying rationale behind the consistent execution and abolishing of the policy during the 20th century was informed by the standard economic theory that asserts and has been proven accurate that when money supply is fixed below the rate of public demand, deflation will strike. In the same way, when it is left uncontrolled beyond the public demand, inflation will strike.

 

Along the same curve, the decentralized nature of Cryptocurrency means it can’t be policed by any institution, rather a blockchain that comprises of different unidentified individuals with an asymmetric chance of arriving at a consensus. And when Satoshi Nakamoto (who is yet to be known) explained his algorithm in 2009, it was specified that the total supply of Bitcoin was certainly fixed, with the mining only certain to grow slowly until it reaches a maximum number of 1 million Bitcoins sometime in 2032. That means the digital currency is problematic in two ways; first it makes crisis more likely and secondly it offers no room for government to alleviate the crisis. So the prospects of any economy that gets into bed with cryptocurrency resemble the pre-1929 unpoliced economy that was crushed by absurd inflation. The same way its limited supply renders the prospects of any economy that adopts it to face the threat of post-1929 economy that was plagued by Gold Standard deflation. So in short, with cryptocurrency, it’s either deflation or inflation, with price and currency stability extremely unlikely.

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That was the viewpoint of the Neo-Keynesian economists, mostly the alumni of Harvard. The most vocal being the American economist and crisis expert, Professor Roubiel Roubini from the University of New York, who even believes that cryptocurrency has no feature of money. And the Greek economist and author, Professor Yanis Varoufakis from the University of Athens. The latter dedicated a whole chapter to discussing the issue extensively in the prolific crisis-dissecting book, “The Brief History of Capitalism”. While the former is quite consistent with podcasts and interviews.

 

-Modern Sensitivity to Technology and impact of Optimism.

 

In contrast to the belief of the Neo-Keynesians, the most influential figure in the monetary school, Milton Friedman, originally proposed a fixed monetary rule, called Friedman’s k-percent rule, where the money supply would be automatically increased by a fixed percentage per year. Under this rule, there would be no leeway for the central reserve bank, as money supply increases could be determined “by a computer”, and business could anticipate all money supply changes. With other monetarists, he believed that the active manipulation of the money supply or its growth rate is more likely to destabilize than stabilize the economy. So the most important area of concentration is price stability rather than currency stability as proposed by Keynes.

 

The mention of computers by Friedman, and the fixed increase rate of money per year, agrees with two of the three most important features of cryptocurrency, which are digitalization and the fixed increase rate of Bitcoin until 2032. While the consistent castigating of the Central Bank by Friedman and Schwartz skews their idea closer to decentralization than otherwise.

 

The monetarists who are mostly anti-Keynes and subtly pro-decentralization arrived fierce to debunk what they call nostalgia that was inspired by an obsession with post-crisis literature, mostly the contributions of Keynes that comprises of “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money (1932)” and “A Treatise on Money 1930”. The mainstream among their economic commentators debunks the thesis in some of the post-2008 contributions of Yanis Varoufakis that discussed the economy and future of capitalism. Books like “The Brief History of Capitalism (2014)”, “Adults In the Room: My Battle with Europe’s Deep Establishment (2017), “And The Weak Suffer What They Must: Europe, Austerity and the Threat to Global Stability (2016)”.

 

-Music and Musing; where do I stand?

 

Having observed the possible major stands of the two distinctive schools, the argument of pro-Keynes that revolves around the fixated supply of cryptocurrency was debunked once again by the creation of other types of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Dodge, which unlike Bitcoin are of unlimited supply. So one of the two problems of digital currency is said to be eliminated. Meanwhile, while decentralization remains a concern for any individual household that understands the importance and need for government intervention, major technologically-innovative countries like China and Japan are already paving the way for decentralization of their financial institutions to accommodate the cryptocurrency. And the decision is being backed by lucrative optimism from the buyers of Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency, which is driving its value crazily higher than expected. For what that’s worth, it’s certain that cryptocurrency is surging for a reason, the same way it could be said it’s here for a reason. To quixotic commentators, it’s more like the introduction of the computer in the ’80s, so it’ll be correct if termed inevitable. Therefore judging from the flow, perhaps in the grand scheme of things the digital currency would have to be accommodated if it continues to dominate the economy. The question is when?

 

The rhetoric also begs the question; maybe the economists that are using Keynes to reject crypto are indeed plagued by nostalgia and fear that was bred due to consumption of post-crisis literature judging from the way cryptocurrency has been gathering incredible optimism and momentum. The reception it receives from rational and visionary capitalists like Elon Musk suggests so. But equally important are the questions: what would be the future of government without its ability to regulate money supply? What would be the response of America to a phenomenon that could dwarf the demand for the dollar and the democratic nature of which could swindle the dollarization policy? What would be the second reaction of Third World countries whose democracies are so young and fragile, economies too unstable and inconsistent as to give-in to decentralization? What solution is there for the possible reoccurrence of the 2008 e-Theft?

Privatization of Public Spaces: A Tragedy for Land Use Planning in Kano Metropolis

Currently, not enough has been said or shown to indicate the wavering of governmental institutions as to give up their power on the money supply. Chinese and Japanese economies are too advanced to be the sample of inference while judging possible decentralization in countries like Nigeria that has been fighting its second recession in a half-decade, accumulating large chunk of debt and abject recession for almost a decade despite surprisingly being one of the highest traders of the cryptocurrency. It’s no wonder that the CBN banned it outrightly. First for being ignorant of its dynamics as was learned from the governor. And second for having neither the efficient economic environment nor the institutional strength to accommodate it. Likewise, where the accommodation of decentralization is concerned, banking sectors will have to restructure for the death of their last resort – the Central Bank. And when all the transactions are fiat, an existential crisis looms in the employment department of the banking sector.

 

There’s also the case of cryptocurrency as a simultaneous medium of exchange and investment. When it becomes dominant the economic society may fall victim to the fallacy of composition and paradox of thrift, because more people would rather save their money in crypto to enjoy its speedy appreciation in value than do otherwise. And that would put the multiplier effect of disposable income and immediate consumption in jeopardy. The circular flow of income may turn into a vicious circle of rational economic households looking to outsmart themselves for profit but are subconsciously crushing the entire ecosystem. The digital running of the currency as an investment medium will remain the major avenue of investment, and little do we forget that it’s greatly influenced by speculation. And like Keynes said in the prophetic “General Theory: “Speculators may do no harm as bubbles on a steady stream of enterprise. But the position is serious when an enterprise becomes a bubble on a whirlpool of speculation. When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill done.”

 

The Keynesian prophets of doom should do kindly as to exercise patience. In the same way, the monetarists should enjoy their giant leap forward towards decentralization. Who is right shall be vindicated by time. If it’s the Keynesians the status quo lives on. And if it’s the monetarists we can look back to 2008 and say the crisis is indeed the laboratory of the future. But personally, I don’t think money can ever be apolitical, governments are as old and their influence as lasting as the social contract itself. In the same way, I believe in the strength of optimism, which is driving all the possibilities of cryptocurrency. After all, as Keynes said: “Investment is dedicating our intelligence in predicting what average opinion expects the average opinion to be”. If the blockchain behind Nakamoto’s algorithm keeps getting the mind of the global economy spot on, Cryptocurrency are more than capable of being here to stay. But where an error occurs all hell would break loose. Whatever happens, we shall live to witness.

 

MA Iliasu studies economics at Bayero University, Kano.

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Opinion

Why DSP Barau Deserves More Prayers in Holy Ramadhan

Published

2 days ago

on

February 20, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

The universal understanding of real life, that, one good turn deserves another, can comfortably be applicable to the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Barau I Jibrin, CFR, particularly with prayers during this Holy Month of Ramadhan Fasting.

It can as well be applicable to almost all our political leaders, within the fold of All Progressives Congress (APC) here in Kano. But because of the limited space and time, I cannot mention all in this brief piece. My fundamental reason for limiting my piece on the DSP.

I just want, without much ado, touch some fundamental interventions of the Senator, which, to me, deserve sober reflection, commendation and good prayers for him to do more and be rewarded Divinely. To embellish that in a strengthened manner is timely and apt.

Without being clouded by feelings, emotions or impulses, Distinguished Senator Jibrin is not only a pillar, he is as well, a bridge builder, who cements and reinforces parts of the ruling APC for stronger ties and cohesion. Recent happenings within the fold of the party, cleared many doubts and concoctions. When I saw him exchanging banters and pleasantries with other top notch individuals around the corridor of APC power circle, it occurred to me that, leaders started filling cylinders and fixing correct blocks everywhere.

Coming back to the identified interventions and adorable actions, that pave way for requesting prayers for the DSP, let me begin with the most recent events. First and foremost, we all appreciate his magnanimity and humane contributions to the victims of Singa market inferno. Where he donated the large sum One Hundred Million Naira (N100m).

Secondly, in this row, is his jettisoning of his gubernatorial ambition, calling on His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to carry on, in search of second tenure. Many believe, he did that for absolute peace to reign in the party, the state and the polity in general. This singular action doused tension and internal rivalry.

He needs to be commended for the bitter decision. Which is characterized by bitter political realities. Though, some still believe that, the pronouncement was crafty and abstract. But his political actions immediately after that pronouncement, show clearly that, he spoke his mind and damn the consequences. It definitely takes great minds to act this way.

The same observers believe that, he did that because he was promised the position of Senate President, in the next dispensation. So from whichever angle you look at the prism, DSP Jibrin needs Divine intervention and more support. His is, supplication, supplication and supplication. In a tautologous style I say, prayers, prayers and prayers.

This brief piece does not concentrate only on his contributions while he is currently the Deputy Senate President. Some of the contributions I included were seen long before now. And I didn’t use any chronological order in presenting them here. So forgive my style of presentation. Is not intentionally done to dilly-dally with periscopic look/search of my readers.

For his great concern for the insecurity plaguing the state, he donated operational vehicles, to the Kano State Police Command. Where dozens of vehicles were given to help in taming the nefarious activities of the underworld. He didn’t stop at that, he donated over one thousand motorcycles to Police personnel in the state. With a special event that took place at the State Command, Bompai.

Under this, his specific contribution to Police Zonal offices and Divisional Police offices under his constituency, Kano North, is superb, encouraging and undisputed. He believes in strengthening our security agencies, for them to work harder for proper protection and security of our land. Some of the contributions around security system, are not for public eyes or ears. For security reasons also.

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His strong feeling in the education sector, being the engine room for genuine development, his intervention in the sector speaks voluminously. From his hands in the structural development in the sector, to his enhanced support for individual students, Senator Jibrin, is building indelible mark of honour. Under many platforms.

To begin with individual students (beneficiaries), in the education sector, the people’s Senator sponsored 70 students under his programme of Foreign Postgraduate Scholarships. And modern fields of study were their chosen areas.

They are currently abroad studying AI Machine Learning, Cyber Forensics, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, among other influencial courses. The scholarship is fully funded, with tuition, feeding, medicals, flights and allowance. This is DSP for you. I think he deserves our prayers. True or false?

Payment of scholarship allowances to 4,183 students of the Federal College of Education, FCE (Technical), Bichi. Whereas the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000) is awarded to each undergraduate students. While the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) is given to each student studying National Certificate of Education (NCE).

In Bayero University, Kano, 1,052 students were awarded with the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira
(₦50,000) for each and every student. As 1,000 undergraduate students of benefited as their scholarship award in
Federal University Dutsin-Ma.

As 300 beneficiaries for Domestic Postgraduate Scholarships
Across top Nigerian universities were sponsored with full scholarship also. First Batch 99 percent completed. 1,000 indigent students were given the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000), to each student who study at Northwest University, Kano.

Another set of 870 students of Northwest University, Kano were awarded with the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) to each student. While before that, another set of 628 undergraduate students of Bayero University, Kano, were awarded with the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) to each of the students.

Without fear of mincing words, or acrobatic expression, my reader can accept my suggestion that DSP deserves standing ovation, genuine appreciation, well wish and prayers. Especially in this Holy Month of Ramadhan. Yes, being a human being, he may err, in some areas. But let’s concentrate on his good sides, circumstances and styles.

Still in the education sector, let’s look at some, very few, of his contributions in the area. His effort in the establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, is not only commendable, but a true legacy of a great man. Come to think of development of education, job opportunities, fight against youth restiveness, among others.

He effected the establishment of dozens of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Satellite Campuses across the 13 Local Governments under his Constituency, Kano North. This enhances pursuance of knowledge by his people. In his immediate Constituency. Not to talk of the simplification process of this onerous effort.

To further improve the progress of our youth across the state, he singlehandedly strive and saw to the establishment of Satellite Campuses for Federal University Dutsinma, (FUDMA), in Kano. That is why we have hundreds of students of FUDMA studying in Kano. Almost all of them are sponsored by the Senator for their undergraduate programmes.

To strengthen the commitment of the party leadership to the party philosophy and manifestation, Senator Jibrin was frequent in his distribution of vehicles and other forms of transportation to leaders in his Constituency. For them, the party leaders and elders, could do more and sacrifice a lot to the survival of the party.

He repeated the same gesture recently in his donation of vehicles to APC leadership in his constituency. And donation of vehicles to the local governments Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Secretaries. To enhance local government administration.

In the area of specific humanitarian services, Distinguished Senator Jibrin, saved the people of Bagwai and surrounding areas from menace frequent canoe mishaps in Bagwai river, that was visiting the people of the area in different occasions. He bought modern canoes to save the situation. Since then, we didn’t hear of any mishaps again. He saved the lives of many. This gentleman deserves our prayers, anyway.

For the overall development of our region, North West, DSP pushed hard, conceived the idea of development agency, when he presented a Bill for the establishment of North West Development Commission (NWDC) to the floor of the Senate. He sponsored the Bill, toiled over it, labored for it and, along others, gave birth to it. As he strived to see the passed Bill, then, got Presidential stamp. What remains now, is the take-off of the Commission.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday, 20th February, 2026

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Opinion

2027 Election : Kano Speaks, As DSP Barau Promises Victory For Tinubu, Gov Abba

Published

7 days ago

on

February 15, 2026

By

 

By Abba Anwar

In Kano politics, definitive statements can only be made by individuals with high caliber, political sophistication, quality skills, strategic positioning, and genuine intentions, who can forecast outcomes. These qualities are visibly evident in the political arithmetic of the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, who also doubles as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, asserting his global relevance and influence.

As a show of solidarity and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, ahead 2027 general election, Distinguished Senator said it publicly that, “We are united and focused. Kano… will stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Our structure is intact, and we will work tirelessly to ensure their victories.”

At a stakeholders meeting held at his constituency, Kano North, it was glaring to all, as he mentioned that, “Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North Senatorial District have reaffirmed their total commitment to delivering overwhelming votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in the 2027 general elections.”

As stated during the meeting, His Excellency, DSP, appears to be in total support for internal cohesion and mutual understanding between the traditional All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Yusuf with his people who recently joined the party. He practically believes that, democracy should first be strengthen within the party structure.

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Hence, the need for tolerance, commitment to party’s survival and development, and above all supporting the state government to reach the promised land.

All indications, from DSP’s recent political engagements in the state, are geared towards politics without bitterness, strong internal structures, promotion of good governance, full blown support for Governor Yusuf and protection of Kano’s interest through the state structures. From state to federal
Bottom to up. And vice versa. In other words, the Distinguished Senator is well positioned to be the flagship of the Governor and the government of Kano State. No two ways about it.

What happened during the event, is a clear indication that, Senator Jibrin is not only a bridge builder between old APC members and the newly recruited ones, into its fold, but a messiah at the same time. To him, all the many years APC members and the newly joined ones, are the same in terms of enjoying political goodies, proper care and management.

He donated 26 cars, 141 motorcycles to 13 Local government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and Secretaries of his Kano North Senatorial District. The donation was witnessed by party leaders, elected officials, and grassroots politicians. Who unanimously put heads together to startle the consolidated unity. While strategizing party survival and continuous dominance as build-up to 2027 elections.

Justifying his donations, he emphasized to the hearing of all that, “Our Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors, and Secretaries are the engine room of our political structure. Supporting them means strengthening our base. With unity and proper mobilisation, Kano North will deliver landslide votes in 2027.” Assuring same for other two Senatorial Districts, Kano Central and Kano South.

What interests many at the event was when he assured that, “By God’s grace, we will deliver landslide votes for President Tinubu, Governor Abba and all other candidates of our party, APC

Unity, unity and unity, is the slogan of the DSP these days. The slogan was there evidently heard in the past. But in recent time, the slogan becomes more amplified and musically echoed. He always believes that, unity of purpose remains the hardest corridor to electoral victory.

An overwhelming standing ovation filled the air when he appealed all party members, from all sides of the pentagon to crush aside past differences. Urging that, “We need to work collectively, in fact we must work collectively towards a common goal.”

His passion for securing victories for the state and federal governments in 2027 drives him to tirelessly campaign and strengthen support for Governor Yusuf and President Tinubu. He continually promotes, refines, and solidifies this agenda.

Anwar writes from Kano
Sunday, 15th February, 2026

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Opinion

Murtala Ramat Mohammed: Power with a Conscience

Published

1 week ago

on

February 14, 2026

By

General Murtala Muhammad

 

By Lamara Garba Azare,

There are men who pass through power and there are men who redefine it. Murtala Ramat Mohammed belonged to that rare breed who carried authority lightly and carried conscience heavily. He was a comrade in uniform, a patriot in spirit, a true son of Africa whose love for this nation was not performed for applause but proven through action.

He rose to lead the most populous Black nation on earth, yet power never altered his posture or polluted his character. He remained simple in conduct, measured in speech and humble in lifestyle. He never allowed the office to swallow the man. While others would have embraced sirens and spectacle, he chose restraint. His convoy moved without blaring horns. He obeyed traffic lights like every other citizen. He respected traffic wardens as custodians of public order.

There is that unforgettable moment when a traffic officer, having recognized his car, stopped other motorists to allow him pass. The General was displeased. The warden was punished for denying other road users their right of way, and his driver was sternly warned for attempting to move against traffic. In that simple but powerful incident, he taught a nation that no one is above the law, not even the Head of State. Leadership for him was not exemption from rules but submission to them.

His humility went even deeper. Often, dressed in private attire, he would visit markets quietly, blending into the crowd to ask about the prices of food and daily commodities. He wanted to feel the pulse of ordinary Nigerians. He wanted to understand how families were coping. He believed policies should not be crafted from distant offices alone but from lived realities. That simple habit revealed a leader who listened before he acted and who measured governance by the condition of the common man.

When he assumed power in 1975, he did so without plunging the country into bloodshed. In a continent where coups often left painful scars, his intervention was swift and calculated, aimed at correcting a drift rather than destroying the state. It reflected firmness guided by restraint. He was a soldier, yes, but one who understood that strength without humanity is weakness in disguise.

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In barely six months, he moved with urgency that startled the establishment. Files that once gathered dust began to move. Decisions were taken with clarity. He restructured the civil service in a bold attempt to restore efficiency and discipline. He initiated the process that led to the relocation of the capital to Abuja, a decision born of foresight and national balance. He confronted corruption without apology and made it clear that public office was a trust to be guarded, not an opportunity to be exploited.

His voice on the continental stage was equally resolute. When he declared that Africa has come of age, he was not uttering rhetoric. He was announcing a shift in posture. Nigeria under his watch stood firm in support of liberation movements and insisted on African dignity in global affairs. He believed that this continent deserved respect earned through courage and self confidence.

Then, just as the nation began to feel the rhythm of disciplined governance, tragedy struck on February 13, 1976. Bullets interrupted a vision. A country stood still in shock. Africa mourned one of its brightest sons. He had ruled for only a short season, yet the weight of his impact surpassed the length of his tenure.

Perhaps if he had remained longer, Nigeria would have charted a different course. Perhaps institutions would have grown around principle rather than convenience. Perhaps accountability would have become culture rather than campaign language. We can only imagine. But what cannot be imagined away is the moral clarity he represented.

Today, when citizens speak about abandoned ideals and weakened standards, his memory returns like a measuring rod. When convoys roar past traffic lights with entitlement, his quiet obedience becomes a silent rebuke. When policies lose touch with the marketplace realities of ordinary people, we remember the Head of State who walked into markets in simple clothes to ask the price of garri and rice.

He was not perfect, but he was purposeful. He did not govern to decorate history books. He governed to correct a nation. He detested corruption because he understood the damage it inflicts on the weakest citizens. He valued humility because he knew that power is fleeting but accountability before Almighty Allah is eternal.

Nigeria lost more than a leader. Africa lost a rare gem whose patriotism was sincere and whose heart beat for the dignity of his people. We pray that Allah grants Murtala Ramat Mohammed Aljannatul Firdaus and illuminates his resting place. We pray that his sacrifices count for him in the hereafter. And we pray that Nigeria rediscovers the discipline, courage and sincerity that defined his brief but remarkable stewardship.

Some leaders occupy office. Others transform it. Murtala Ramat Mohammed transformed it. His six months continue to echo across five decades because they were anchored in conviction and service.

Until Nigeria fully embraces integrity in leadership, until Africa truly stands in the maturity he proclaimed, his story will remain both our inspiration and our challenge. His life reminds us that greatness is not measured by duration in power but by depth of impact, not by noise but by noble action, not by privilege but by principle.

He came, he led, and though he left too soon, he still speaks through the standard he set.

Lamara Garba Azare, a veteran journalist writes from Kano

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