Murtala Mohammed Forms New Cabinet Following Gowon’s Overthrow

Murtala Mohammed Forms New Cabinet Following Gowon’s Overthrow

Murtala Mohammed Forms New Cabinet Following Gowon’s Overthrow

Source: The Times, Sunday, August 7, 1975
Following the coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon, Brigadier Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria’s new Head of State, announced the formation of a new Cabinet of 23 commissioners (ministers). This Cabinet reflected a careful attempt to balance ethnic representation, with military officers predominating among key positions, particularly from the North, but several important posts allocated to southerners.

Key Highlights from the Cabinet Appointments:

Military Appointments: Just over half of the portfolios were given to military officers, demonstrating Murtala’s intent to maintain control and stability while consolidating his power.

Retention from Previous Government: Three commissioners retained their roles from Gowon’s administration:

Lieut-Colonel Dr. A. Ali – Education

Colonel M. I. Wushishi – Industry

Brigadier Henry Adefope – Labour

Foreign Affairs: The portfolio was given to Colonel Joseph Garba, commander of the brigade of guards responsible for Gowon’s security, who had publicly proclaimed the coup. Garba, like Gowon, hailed from Benue Province.

Other Notable Appointments:

Defence: Brigadier I. D. Bisalla

Finance: Mr. A. E. Ekukinam

Economic Development: Mr. Umoru Mattalab

Health: Colonel Dan Suleiman

Interior: Mr. U. Shinkafi

Justice: Justice Dan Ibekwe

Mines and Power: Mr. Effiom Otu Ekong

Trade: Brigadier M. Shuwa

Transport: Lieutenant-Colonel S. M. Yaradua

Works: Captain O. Olumide

Communications: Brigadier Murtala Mohammed himself

Petroleum and Energy: Dr. M. T. O. Akobo

Cooperatives and Supply: Mr. M. Ajose-Adeogun

Housing: Dr. R. A. Adeleye

Water Resources: Dr. I. U. William-Osisiogu

Aviation: Mr. Shuaiba Kalaure

Context and Significance:

This Cabinet announcement came just days after Murtala Mohammed’s successful coup on July 29, 1975, which ended Gowon’s decade-long rule. The appointments reflected Murtala’s military-centric yet ethnically mindful governance, aimed at ensuring stability while signaling reform and efficiency in government. The inclusion of senior military officers in critical portfolios, alongside experienced civilians, showcased Murtala’s pragmatic approach to consolidating his regime.

The selection of Colonel Joseph Garba as Foreign Minister was particularly significant, as he had been directly involved in Gowon’s overthrow and now represented Nigeria on the international stage.
This reshuffling marked the beginning of Murtala Mohammed’s transformative but short-lived rule, which would later be cut tragically short by his assassination in February 1976.