Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has shed light on the rationale behind his decision to restructure Nigeria into 12 states during his tenure.
Speaking during a visit by the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) to the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, the elder statesman explained that the move was aimed at dousing regional tensions and addressing fears of northern domination over other parts of the country.
Gowon, who led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, emphasized that his primary motivation was the preservation of national unity. “My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria,” he stated.
The creation of states, he noted, was born out of extensive consultations with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups, all of whom recognized the need for a more balanced federation. “It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity,” Gowon said.
Gowon highlighted the tense atmosphere that surrounded Nigeria at the time, with calls for secession coming from various regions. “At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the south about the north’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions—the west, the east, and even the north,” he recounted.
“This deeply worried me. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest. My decision to advocate for states’ creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation,” he added.
Reflecting on the regional tensions of the era, Gowon shared his concerns about what might have become of the country had it disintegrated. “If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations—whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise,” he remarked.
Gowon also reiterated his non-partisan stance, stressing that his allegiance has always been to Nigeria as a whole. “My profession shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics,” he said.
He urged leaders to focus on unity rather than regional or sectional interests. “Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envision,” he added.
Gowon commended the LND for its efforts to address challenges in the north, such as insecurity and political divisions, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “The north is incredibly diverse, encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division,” he explained.
Expressing sadness over the current security challenges, Gowon lamented the activities of groups like Lukurawa from Mali, which he said had worsened the region’s problems.
Earlier, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, chairman of the LND, described Gowon as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, strength, and resilience. He congratulated the retired general on his 90th birthday and lauded his efforts to maintain Nigeria’s cohesion during turbulent times.
Explaining the formation of the LND, Shekarau said, “The League of Northern Democrats was born out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among Northern elites to address the critical challenges facing our region. Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic, and cultural influence—a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria.”
Gowon concluded his remarks by expressing optimism for Nigeria’s future, urging the LND to prioritize the nation’s collective good. “You’ve started something significant, and I hope you’re prepared to collaborate with others for the future of Nigeria. Your dedication gives me hope for the nation’s future,” he said.
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