Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has shared the rationale behind his decision to champion the creation of 12 states during his tenure. Gowon explained that the move was designed to ease regional tensions and alleviate fears of northern dominance in the country’s federal system.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from the League of Northern Democrats, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, Gowon emphasized that the restructuring aimed at creating a more balanced federation.
“The rationale behind creating more states was to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful, which could threaten Nigeria’s unity,” Gowon said.
He also urged Northern elites to work together for national cohesion, stressing the importance of prioritizing the greater good of Nigeria over regional interests.
Gowon, who served as Head of State from 1966 to 1975, reiterated his belief that the north bears a significant responsibility in maintaining the country’s democracy, a principle he attributed to Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa.
