Gowon explains why he created 12 states

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has shed light on the rationale behind his decision to restructure Nigeria into 12 states during his tenure.

Speaking during a visit by the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) to the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, the elder statesman explained that the move was aimed at dousing regional tensions and addressing fears of northern domination over other parts of the country.

Gowon, who led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, emphasized that his primary motivation was the preservation of national unity. “My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria,” he stated.