Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has called on the people of northern Nigeria and their leaders to prioritize the nation’s collective interests above regional differences.
Speaking on Wednesday during a visit by the League of Northern Democrats (LND) led by Ibrahim Shekarau at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja, the elder statesman emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Gowon highlighted that differences in opinion should not deter the North from cooperating with other regions for the country’s good.
“The north must ensure that its actions are in the best interest of Nigeria. My support for the creation of states was driven by the need to address fears of domination and to promote unity among all regions of the country,” Gowon said.
Reflecting on his tenure as Head of State, he recounted that his decisions, including the creation of additional states, were informed by a desire to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and ensure equity among its regions.
“At that time, the fear of disintegration was palpable across all regions. My decision to advocate for state creation was to mitigate these fears and ensure a balanced federation,” he explained.
Gowon reiterated his commitment to national service, noting that his decision to stay away from partisan politics was to remain focused on the larger goal of nation-building.
“My allegiance has always been to Nigeria. I believe in putting the country first and avoiding the distractions of partisan politics. Differences in opinion should never hinder us from working together for the nation’s good,” he told the LND delegation.
The former leader expressed concern over the myriad challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, disunity, poverty, and drug addiction. He also pointed to the influence of extremist groups like the *Lukurawa from Mali* as a complicating factor.
Despite these challenges, Gowon praised the League of Northern Democrats for their efforts to tackle these issues and foster unity within the North and across Nigeria.
“I am encouraged by your efforts to address these issues and promote unity in the North and across Nigeria,” he added.
Gowon’s message comes at a crucial time as the nation grapples with socio-economic and political challenges. His emphasis on fostering unity and working beyond regional or partisan divides resonates as a call to action for leaders across the country.
As Nigeria navigates its path forward, Gowon’s insights remind stakeholders that national unity remains a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.