Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has shed light on the motivation behind his decision to create states during his administration, emphasizing that it was a move to ease tensions and address fears of northern dominance.
The elder statesman made this remark during a visit from the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja.
Gowon, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, explained that the decision to create more states stemmed from consultations with political leaders and traditional chiefs. It was aimed at fostering national unity by preventing any single region from becoming overly powerful, which had raised concerns of marginalization and secession.
“There were fears of domination by the north due to its size and population, which led to calls for secession from various regions—the west, east, and even the north,” he said. “This deeply worried me as I was determined to keep Nigeria united. The creation of states was a solution to these tensions and a step towards equitable development.”
The former Head of State urged northern elites to prioritize national interests over regional or ethnic concerns, stressing that unity and cooperation are crucial for Nigeria’s development.
Gowon also highlighted his decision to remain non-partisan throughout his life, attributing it to his commitment to serving the nation above all else. He encouraged others to adopt a similar perspective, saying, “Our diversity is our strength. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all desire.”
While addressing the security challenges facing the north, such as the rise of extremist groups, he expressed sadness but commended the efforts of the LND in rallying over 700 members to advocate for regional progress while safeguarding national unity.
