Former Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon on Wednesday dwelt on the historical considerations that led to his support for state creation in Nigeria, saying that it was to ease the fear of the northern region’s dominance given its size and population.
In a speech delivered during a courtesy visit by the League of Northern Democrats (LND) in Abuja, he reflected on his leadership era and discussed the group’s vision for northern Nigeria.
Gowon, who governed Nigeria during a tumultuous period that included the Civil War, emphasised that the decision to advocate for state creation was rooted in the need to preserve national unity and allay fears of domination by the northern region.
“The north’s size and population created significant anxiety among southern regions,” Gowon noted. “These fears, if left unaddressed, could have led to the fragmentation of Nigeria.”
He recounted the widespread secessionist sentiments of the era, not only in the East but also in the West and even parts of the North.
“At one point, people believed the north wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the east and the west,” he said.
“This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me. If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? Separate nations—whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise.”
The former leader stressed that his advocacy for creating more states was driven by consultations with various political leaders, traditional chiefs, and community groups.
These efforts, he explained, were aimed at balancing regional power and fostering a sense of inclusiveness.
“The division of the north into multiple states was a sacrifice made to ensure no single region would overshadow the others,” Gowon said, adding that it was a decision in line with his lifelong belief in prioritising the country over regional interests.
He commended the LND for its commitment to unity and reminded the group of the need to always place Nigeria’s collective good above regional considerations.
“The North must always act in the interest of the nation,” Gowon said.
“I see your efforts as a continuation of the legacy of leaders like Sir Tafawa Balewa, who was both a northerner and a national democrat.”
In his address, the Chairman of the group and former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, shed light on the mission of the League of Northern Democrats, describing it as a platform for unity, progress, and strategic leadership.
He explained that the LND was established to address the growing challenges in northern Nigeria, including insecurity, poverty, disunity, and the erosion of societal values.
“The sacrifices made under General Gowon’s leadership to preserve Nigeria’s unity must never be in vain,” Shekarau declared.
“The LND seeks to reposition the north as a bastion of political, economic, and cultural influence while building bridges of unity across the country.”
Shekarau highlighted the organisation’s objectives, which include fostering unity among northern ethnic and religious groups, building political networks for dialogue, combating poverty, and promoting sustainable development.
He also announced plans for a Northern Nigerian Political Summit in Kaduna to deliberate on solutions to the region’s pressing challenges.
“We are not an opposition group,” Shekarau clarified.
“Our aim is to complement government efforts. If the north thrives, Nigeria prospers. If the north falters, the entire nation bears the weight of its collapse.”
General Gowon expressed his support for the initiative and urged the group to remain steadfast in its pursuit of unity and progress.
“Your efforts give me hope for the nation’s future,” he said.
“Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest.”
Both General Gowon and the LND expressed mutual gratitude and a renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, national development, and collective responsibility—a legacy that both they agreed must guide Nigeria’s path forward.
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