Former Nigerian Head of State and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has provided insight into his decision to advocate for the creation of 12 states in Nigeria during his tenure.
Gowon explained that his primary goal was to alleviate tensions and alleviate concerns regarding potential northern domination within the federation.
He shared these thoughts during a meeting with a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja.
Additionally, the respected leader called on Northern elites to collaborate on issues that would benefit the entirety of Nigeria.
“I firmly believe, as I have always said, that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north, and Baba Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.
“Let me also say that I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east-until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria. From your speech, I understand that this is your intention-to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.
“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,” he said.
