Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has given reason for the creation of 12 states in 1967 when he was in office.
Speaking when a delegation of the Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) visited him yesterday at the Yakubu Gowon Centre, in Abuja, Gowon explained that the states were created to douse tension and remove the fear of northern domination by other component parts of the country.
Addressing his guests, he said: “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.”
From the tone of the conversation of his guests, Gowon said he understood that the intention of the group “is to ensure to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.”
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.
“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.
“This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups.
“The north had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the north.
“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.
“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.
“Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the north wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the east and the west. This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me. 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. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here,” he said.
Gowon also used the occasion to explain why he is apolitical saying “my profession shaped my belief in serving the country above all else” hence “I’ve avoided partisan politics.”
He advised people to beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole stressing that the country’s population and diverse nature are indices of strength.
“Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envision.
“Your League of Northern Democrats isn’t yet a party. It appears to be a northern group, but it’s made up of individuals from all parts of the country.
“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.
“The northern identity, however, is often associated with the Hausa-Fulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like “Ngas,” and they call us “Ngali.” The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage,” he noted.
On the current insecurity in the country, Gowon who was head of state from 1967-1975 said he felt saddened by the situation in the north, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali.
“Their activities have only created more problems for us,” he said.
He commended the LND for bringing over 700 members together, describing it as a “remarkable achievement” while reminding the members that “the north’s division into states was meant to preserve national unity.
“Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest. While cooperation among states is vital, it should never compromise Nigeria’s collective good.
“Perhaps your movement will evolve into a national party that unites all Nigerians. While various groups work on a new constitution, I encourage you to engage with them to ensure their proposals serve the country’s best interests.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies-be it socialism, capitalism, or others-and applying them for the greater good,” he added.
Earlier, Shekarau had said that the LND 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,” he said.
He described Gowon as a “symbol of Nigeria’s unity, strength and resilience,” and congratulated him as he turned 90 recently.
