Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has called on the people and leaders of northern Nigeria to consistently prioritize the interests of the nation above all else. He emphasized that differing opinions or stances on issues should never prevent the northern region from working collaboratively with other parts of Nigeria for the overall benefit of the country.
Gowon made these remarks on Wednesday while hosting a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by Ibrahim Shekarau, at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja. During the meeting, the former Nigerian leader underscored the importance of fostering unity and cooperation across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
“The North must always act in a way that benefits Nigeria as a whole,” Gowon stated. “My support for state creation was motivated by the desire to address fears of regional domination and to encourage unity among all parts of the country.” He further elaborated that all the decisions he made during his tenure, including the creation of additional states, were aimed at securing the nation’s cohesion and stability.
Reflecting on his time in office, Gowon remarked that the fear of the country’s disintegration was very real during his administration. He noted that his decision to advocate for the creation of new states was a strategic move to assuage those concerns and ensure a more balanced federation.
“During my time, the fear of disintegration was widespread. I believed that creating more states was necessary to maintain unity and foster national development,” he said.
Gowon also took the opportunity to emphasize his commitment to national service over partisan politics, explaining that his primary allegiance has always been to Nigeria. “I have always placed the country first,” he said. “Partisan politics should never divide us. Differences in opinion should not prevent us from working together for the greater good of Nigeria.”
Addressing the delegation, Gowon expressed concern about the current challenges facing northern Nigeria, particularly issues such as insecurity, disunity, and socio-economic problems like poverty and drug addiction. He acknowledged the group’s efforts to address these pressing issues and praised their work towards promoting unity in the north and across Nigeria.
“The activities of groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali have only added to the region’s problems. However, I am encouraged by the efforts you are making to address these challenges and to bring about positive change in the north,” he said.
Gowon offered his full support to the League of Northern Democrats as long as their initiatives are focused on improving Nigeria. “Whatever you do, always prioritize the collective good of Nigeria. Collaboration among states is vital, but it must never come at the expense of national unity. Your efforts give me hope for the future of our country, and I remain at your service,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, expressed admiration for Gowon’s leadership and contributions to the nation. He clarified that the LND is not a political party, but rather a platform designed to address the critical challenges facing northern Nigeria. The group seeks to reposition the region as a leader in political, economic, and cultural affairs within Nigeria.
“Shekarau stated, “The LND is not a political party; it is a platform for patriotic individuals to collaborate and find solutions to issues such as disunity, poverty, insecurity, and the erosion of societal values.” He concluded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to working for the betterment of the northern region and Nigeria as a whole.
