How This Nigerian President Was Assassinated 34 Days After He Criticized the U.S

January 11th, 1976, the Nigerian head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed delivered this speech at the meeting of the Organisation of African Union Mr. Chairman, Africa has Come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in our hands to make or mar. For too long have we been kicked around: for too long have we been treated like adolescents who cannot discern their interests and act accordingly. For too long has it been presumed that the African needs outside ‘experts’ to tell him who are his friends and who are his enemies The time has come when we should make it clear that we can decide for ourselves; that we know our own interests and how to protect those interest; that we are capable of resolving African problems without presumptuous lessons in ideological dangers which, more often than not, have no relevance for us, nor for the problem at hand. Nigeria has come to this Assembly determined to cooperate with you, , and with all Member States to put a stop to foreign interference in our Continental matters.