Tell us more about yourself.
My name is Murtala Muhammad Aminu. I am married to Sa’adiya Aliyu-Aminu and we have three children (Imran, Layla & Haibah). I am an economist living in Abuja. I’ve worked for 15 years in the oil & gas and finance sector. I was born in June 1977 and named after the late former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed, who was a close friend of my father.
How would you describe life growing up with your father?
Well, in the early years of my life that I can remember, my father was an academic and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and therefore, very busy. He travelled a lot and we always looked forward to his return and he always came home with gifts. He was a great provider and made sure his family never lacked.
When he was around, the house always came alive as there were always people coming in and out of the house, from in and out of town. There was always one aunty or uncle coming to stay and a lot of other relatives.
Tell us about your siblings.
My father has nine children (4 girls and 5 boys). I am the middle child. My mother, Hajiya Ladi Ahmed, has six children and three with Hajiya Fatima Bukar Mulima.
The first born is Dr. Kingi Aminu-Okoya, a senior consultant in the UK. Bello Aminu has a master’s degree in Public Health from George Washington University and works in the USA. Nana Aminu, a lawyer, lives in the UK. Hajiya Maryamu Aminu and Hajiya Rahima Aminu also hold master’s degrees and live in Nigeria.
Mr. Bashiru Aminu is also a master’s degree holder in Economics, observing the National Youth Service Corps programme. Mr. Abubakar Aminu and Ibrahim Aminu are in the university and A level programme respectively.
Your father is a professor of cardiology. Is any of his children following in his career path?
The first two children followed in his footsteps to the extent of being medical doctors. The other children pursued various fields such as law, international relations and economics.
We may all end up aligning with his career path in some way. He was a doctor, we have doctors! He was a diplomat and we have those who studied international relations. He worked in the government, we have public servants! Life can be wonderful like that.
Did he try to persuade any of his children to follow in his career path?
I would say he encouraged all to pursue their dreams and supported our choices. Most of us studied to masters’ degree level. I’m sure he is proud of us all.
How did he create time for his family considering his busy schedule?
He always tried his best to spend as much time as he could with us. He did this in numerous ways like eating dinner as a family daily and always bringing his work home, so he could come home on time and work late. Family time involved teaching, reading, storytelling, laughing, joking and TV programmes.
Additionally, quite a few times we went on family trips, where he took us to many great places such as Kenya on Safari, Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Coliseum in Rome, Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, Big Ben in London, Smithsonian in Washington, Disney World in Florida, Vienna, Austria, Athens, Niagara falls, Canada and even to see Mount Etna a living volcano alive at the time.
Most notable was to hajj, Saudi Arabia. This is to name some. In that area and many others, it is safe to say the man has tried for my siblings and me. Through him, I have met many great people – presidents, including the Clintons, television personalities, artists, politicians, activists, you name it. I am very grateful to him.
We also travelled locally, day or night, North or South, East or West. Those were the good times, the good old days. After retirement, he has all the time in the world for himself, family and friends as it should be.
How would you describe his performance when he represented Adamawa Central in the Senate?
My father projected intellect, honour, leadership, strength and purpose. His slogan was ‘development for all.’ He tried to touch as many lives as possible with his goodwill and available resources both socially and personally. Some called him ’Professor dukaduniya’ (professor worldwide in Hausa). If you heard him speak, you may likely have voted for him. He was a very convincing and valuable politician.
As a humanitarian, he attended many events, weddings, funerals and functions as was possible being generous with his time and friendship. As such, anytime he would need people, they would always come for better or worse. Or sometimes, people just come to greet him, many times by the hundreds. That was Yola for us.
Even though, he represented Adamawa Central in the Senate, his focus, contributions and engagements in the Senate were national and international. He was involved in several legislative and non-legislative functions that impacted on the direction of the nation. There were many of such legacies in the Senate. He served as a highly respected and an influential legislator that embodied experience, knowledge and wisdom in the Senate. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as a member of committees on education and health for the eight-year period he served.
Is any of his children in politics?
For now, no! However, he has supported, in no small part, many persons he regarded as his own. Due to our traditions and his experience, a lot of people regard him as a father figure. They are most welcome.
What is his idea of discipline?
Discipline in the narrow sense was that if you did a small thing wrong, you got a small talk. If it was a big thing, you got a big talk!
Discipline in the broad sense was to be up early, be punctual, pray hard and on time, read the scriptures, obey rules and have good manners.
While at the Nigerian Embassy in the US, he told his children to be appreciative of the American culture. Though we may have been covered by diplomatic immunity, he said, ‘If you have to show diplomatic immunity, then you do not deserve diplomatic immunity.’ We must be respectful of the laws of any country we live in.
What moral codes did he give his children while growing up?
Islam, morality, dignity and humour.
Would you say his name opens doors for you?
I am not sure how to answer that. However, I am very grateful to be one of his children.
What is his view about the state of the nation?
Nigeria has come a long way and still there is much to be done. There has been much advancement in population, technology, diplomacy and politics.
There is a lot of grumbling, but things are moving. Recall there were times in Nigeria’s history when Presidents died in office; when politicians could not form alliances and stable governments. Sometime, we as Nigerians forget. What is pinching Nigeria today will be forgotten tomorrow. All the same, forgiveness comes and comes frequently. Guess Nigerians like to just move on.
Further, he believes in Nigeria’s federalism. He believes that the country is a great gift of God; blessed in every respect. We need to capitalise on that. He always talks of how we can improve our condition and make the nation better for the present and future generations.
How comfortable was his family when he served as the minister of education and minister of petroleum and mineral resources?
As I mentioned earlier, he was a good provider. Back in the day, before owner occupier or monetisation policy, the government provided housing, transportation, services and otherwise for all public servants. During that time, all his children were attending government schools. My sisters attended Queen’s College, My elder brother attended FGC and I am an ex-JAM (Ex-Junior Air Man) i.e. I went to Air Force Military School, Jos. So really, I think we were as comfortable as any student that toed the same path. We thank God, always.
What is his favourite food?
I can’t say he has a favourite food because taste changes. But as general guide, it is usually a salad and chicken starter; then tuwo/soup, and fruit for desert (pineapple & papaya); always a balanced diet. Curiously, he doesn’t like onions. Also no salt, pepper and oil. I guess savory dishes were not his thing. He jokingly said it a lot of times that if it tastes good, it is bad for you. That probably made a lot of sense.
Would you have wished he were anything else but a cardiologist, lecturer and politician?
With a brain and cerebral capacity like his, he could probably have been anything he wanted to and that is what he chose. Going further he has achieved much more. He may tell you his highest qualification is being a Fellow, Academy of Science (FAS), but he has many honours such as Legion de Honneur from the President of France; another from the then President from Kazakhstan, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), OPEC President and many others from CSOs, institutes and associations.
Which of his values have you imbibed?
The values I imbibed from him are Islam, honesty, courage and hard work.
How does he relax?
He enjoys reading, long walks, his favourite comedies (Yes Minister), documentaries, Islamic Channel and sightseeing. Other times when he is in Yola, our family members come from all over and they catch up.
What songs does he listen to?
I do not recall him listening to music in recent times, but I’ve sighted some old tapes in his collection such as Nat King Cole, Jan Kidi from Sokoto, Mamman Shata, Fulani songs and some classical music.
How do people relate with you knowing who your father is?
People relate differently, some places more than others. In political, academic, oil and gas settings, more people tend to know him and therefore ask how he is and if I am following in his footsteps. Generally, I believe that people associate and relate to people based on their own merit rather than their parents or lineage. I think mostly this is the case.
How large is his family?
His family is moderate by Nigerian standards and light by African. Our extended family tree spans four-five generations. Unfortunately, the elders are going.
Who are your father’s friends?
He has friends all over the world. They cut across countries, age, class, status, professions, religions, ethnicity and geographical locations. Counting them will be an impossible task. Many of his childhood and later life friends are no longer alive.
Amongst his many friends and people he respects/respected included the late Dr. Ishaku Aliyu, the late Shehu Yaradua, the late Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji. Hamidu Jada, Dr. Thomas John, Mr. Funso Kupolokun, Mr. David Ogbodo, Alh. Muhammed Lawan Buba, Dr. Arabi Tukur, Galadima of Kano, Alhaji Adebayo Adetunji, Prof Lagundoye, Prof. Akinkugbe to name some. He also has a great deal of respect (in no particular order) for Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Gowon, Gen Abdulsalami (Abubakar), ex-President (Shehu) Shagari and President (Muhammadu) Buhari to name some more.
What are you most proud of about him?
His achievements and peaceful exit from active politics. Prof. Jibril Aminu has given so much to humanity both in public service and privately. With all sense of modesty, I remain permanently thankful to God for giving me a father that his teachers and the world acknowledged as intelligent, forthright by his subordinates, upright by his superiors and a visionary achiever by society. He has attained the apex of his profession as a professor of Medicine and vice-chancellor of a university; held important national and international positions, some of which are the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri; Minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); Member, Nigeria National Constitutional Conference; Member, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party; Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States of America and a senator of the Federal Republic.
My father is an exceptionally gifted fellow that has contributed significantly to the growth and development of education, especially higher education in the country. He set up the NUC and midwifed the second generation universities in the 70s. Later as minister of education, his tenure and perspective in the ministry dismantled an old order that gave way to the shaping of a modern and an equitable system in the ministry and indeed the sector. The number of federal institutions like universities, polytechnics, colleges of education increased. The sector became more sensitive to the federal character principle, new policies like that of NPEC, indigenisation of JAMB, nomadic and gifted children education, etc were put in place.
In the petroleum ministry, his tenure heralded some revolutionary policies like the indigenisation of oil exploration; initiating oil exploration in the Benue Valley and other northern parts of the country; building of new depots; constructing the Eleme Petrochemical Plant; and opening up of the sector to all Nigerians for employment and business. He spearheaded the formation of the African Petroleum Producers Association of which he was the President in 1991. He was also elected the President of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries from 1992-1993.
Before he left the ministry, the country’s oil and gas reserves had increased considerably and many Nigerians engaged in oil exploration in different parts of Nigeria.
How close are you to him?
We are very close and I see him almost daily or as frequently as I can. We talk about current affairs, family business and other father-son things.
What advice did he give you about life and relationship?
Life is not always easy; sometimes, you have to struggle to achieve. Other times, you meet some great people along the way that make your journey easier and always take care of your family.
How did his family celebrate his installation as the ‘Bobaselu of the Source’, by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade?
We attended the function robustly. Our delegation gathered in Lagos with friends, family, associates in attendance and drove to Akure, Ondo State, for the night where we had dinner at the governor’s country home with his wife.
Then we headed to Osun State the next day. Other government officials, more politicians and well-wishers came from Abuja. Some people came all the way from Adamawa State by bus with their drums and instruments, which added more sound and colour to the event. It was a massive occasion as other eminent Nigerians were being honoured as well. We thank and appreciate the late Ooni and his family and also his people. Greetings to the new Ooni.
To state more, the honour was gloriously received and celebrated by his immediate family, community in Adamawa, friends and well-wishers all over the country. It was considered as one of the highest celebrations of his detribalised Nigerian nature; to be so recognised and honoured by the Ooni of Ife, the ancestral leader of the Yoruba race. It showed his positive connection with the great people of Yorubaland. The occasion of the conferment witnessed huge celebrations in Ife and Yola with pomp and circumstance. He is also a recipient of many other chieftaincy titles in Lagos, different parts of Igboland and other parts of Nigeria.
How does he like to dress?
Typically, he wears traditional business attire (babanriga). When he is out of the country, he wears a three-piece suit or his babanriga.
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