On this day 29th July, 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup while attending an OAU meeting in Kampala, Uganda.

On this day 29th July, 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup while attending an OAU meeting in Kampala, Uganda.

On this day 29th July, 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup while attending an OAU meeting in Kampala, Uganda. A new regime came on board led by then Brigadier (later General) Murtala Muhammed as Head of State while Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters was the number two man. The new regime accused Gowon of ineptitude and lacked the willpower to tackle corruption by members of his government, insincerity with transition to democracy and general lack of focus. Murtala made sweeping reforms, retired all officers from the rank of Major General and sacked a lot of corrupt civil servants, and caused every sector of the Nigerian state to start working. Murtala also relinquished some of his properties to the government to justify his move against others. In his words; “I could not have acquired all legitimately…” His administration was cut short by the bullets of Dimka on 13th February, 1976. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.