Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has revealed the reason for his decision to create 12 states in Nigeria during his tenure as head of state.
Gowon made the disclosure during a meeting with a delegation of the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, on Wednesday.
Gowon explained that his primary motivation was to reduce tension and alleviate the fear of northern domination by other regions in the country.
The former head of state, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, stated that he has always believed in prioritizing the greater interest of Nigeria.
He said, “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.”
Currently, the country has 36 states after subsequent divisions by subsequent administrations.