Gowon Explains Motivation Behind Creation of 12 States in Nigeria

 General Yakubu Gowon, the former Head of State and respected elder statesman, recently shared insights into the pivotal decision he made during his tenure to champion the creation of 12 states in Nigeria. Speaking to a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Gowon revealed the key reasons behind the historical move, explaining that it was designed to reduce tensions and mitigate the fear of northern domination by other parts of the federation.

The occasion took place at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, where the delegation paid him a courtesy visit. During the meeting, Gowon underscored the importance of unity and national cohesion, emphasizing that the creation of additional states was part of his broader vision to ensure a more balanced and equitable federal structure.

Gowon highlighted that at the time, the fear of regional imbalance and potential dominance by any one area was a pressing concern, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape. “The responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north,” Gowon stated, referencing the role of northern elites in securing national unity. He further reflected on the leadership of the late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, whose ideals he believes exemplified the commitment to a unified nation.

The former leader also expressed his hope that the current political climate in the north would move away from narrow regional interests and toward a more inclusive approach that considers the welfare of the entire nation. “I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritizes the north, the west prioritizes the west, and the east prioritizes the east—until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself,” Gowon remarked.

The discussion with the League of Northern Democrats, led by Shekarau, was framed around the importance of building a consensus among the northern elites. According to Gowon, the key to ensuring that the north plays a constructive role in the nation’s political evolution lies in focusing on policies that serve the collective good, rather than regional or ethnic concerns.

“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,” Gowon asserted, reinforcing the need for northern leadership to be a unifying force in the country’s ongoing democratic journey.