From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has charged Northern elites to always work in the overall interest and unity of the country.
Gowon gave the charge, in Abuja while receiving members of the League of Northern Democrats ( LND), on Wednesday, at the Yakubu Gowon Center, in Abuja.
The former Head of State, while stating that the creation of many states from the North during his tenure was to douse the fear of domination by other parts of the country.
According to him, “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 isn’t 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. This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups.”
Gowon added that “The North had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the north.
“ At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the south about the north’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions—the west, the east, and even the north. “
Earlier, the chairman of LND, Ibrahim Shekarau, told Gowon that the group is out to champion unity in the North and the country at large.
Shekarau explained that the LND is neither a political party nor an opposition group to the government of the day. He noted that the group consist of patriotic Nigerians committed to the unity and progress of the North.
He said “LND is made up of distinguished individuals who have excelled in public service, private enterprise, and other sectors, and descendants of Northern patriots and heroes whose legacies inspire us to build a better tomorrow.
“Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic and cultural influence – a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria!
“Sir, there is very little we can tell you that you may not have averted your mind on. But the challenges we face today – disunity, poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, drug addiction and the erosion of societal values – demand urgent and deliberate action. “