Whatever North Does Must Serve Greater Interest Of Nigeria — Gowon

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), on Wednesday cautioned that whatever the North is doing must serve the greater interest of the country......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>

Gowon, who spoke when the League of Northern Democrats (LND) paid him a courtesy visit to solicit his support for their forthcoming Northern Nigerian Po­litical Summit in Kaduna, noted that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the North, noting that Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.

The former head of state cau­tioned against 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.

Gowon, who maintained that the national unity was the reason why he supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too power­ful and threatening the country’s unity, lamented the level of inse­curity in the North.

He said: “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 borne out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and var­ious groups. 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. This deeply worried me. I was born in Nige­ria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest. My decision to advocate for state creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation.

“Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the North wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the East and the West. This fear of disin­tegration weighed heavily on me. If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate na­tions—whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here.”

Disclosing why he has avoid­ed partisan politics, Gowon urged others to think beyond regional interest and focus on Nigeria as a whole.

“You know I’m not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profes­sion shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics. I encour­age others to think beyond region­al interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.

“Nigeria’s population and di­versity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envi­sion,” he said.

Lamenting the unfortunate situation in the North as a result of insecurity, Gowon said, “I feel saddened by the challenges cur­rently facing the North, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us.

“I urge you to remember that the North’s division into states was meant to preserve national unity. Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest. While cooperation among states is vital, it should never compromise Nigeria’s collective good.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats and former governor of Sokoto State, Ibrahim Shekarau, ex­plained what the League stands for.

He said the League is proud to stand with all well-meaning Ni­gerians to uphold and champion the legacy of unity and integrity Gowon manifestly embodies.

Shekarau disclosed that the League of Northern Democrats was borne out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among Northern elite to address the critical challenges facing the region, adding that at the heart of LND is a movement of patriots united by the conviction that the sacrifices made under Gowon’s leadership to preserve Nigeria’s unity must never be in vain.

“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. As you have often reminded us, if people do not rise to address their own issues, no one else will. This ethos of self-re­liance and collective responsibili­ty inspired the formation of the LND as a platform for proactive and collaborative solutions to our problems,” he disclosed.

Shekarau said that the objec­tives of LND is “to foster unity and brotherhood across the di­verse ethnic, religious and cul­tural groups of Northern Nige­ria, strengthening our common destiny.

“To build enduring political networks that promote dialogue, consultation and collaboration among Northern elite, ensuring the North’s strategic influence in Nigeria’s politics.

“To harness our collective re­sources to combat poverty, create opportunities for our youths, and secure sustainable development for the region; and to devise prac­tical strategies for conflict resolu­tion, peaceful coexistence and a renewed sense of community in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious polity.”

He further explained that the LND is not an opposition group, adding, “The LND is not an oppo­sition group. We are not here to undermine or challenge the gov­ernment, but to complement its efforts in addressing the North’s pressing challenges. If the North thrives, Nigeria prospers. If the North falters, the entire nation bears the weight of its collapse.

“To consolidate these efforts, Your Excellency, we are plan­ning a Northern Nigerian Po­litical Summit in Kaduna. This historic gathering will bring together stakeholders and lead­ers of thought to deliberate on our shared challenges and chart a new course for progress. We humbly and passionately request that you support the initiative, so that your leadership and wis­dom would illuminate the path forward and inspire the next generation to carry the torch of unity and progress.”

Members of the LND, who visited Gowon are the Chairman, Shekarau; the Convener, Dr. Umar Ardo; Head, Media, Lado Salihu; Senator Victor Lai, Dr. Bikisu Ma­goro, Mohammed Sani Aido, Hon. Aminu Shehu Sagari, Mukhtar Abubakar Balewa, Hon. Em­manuel Jime, Protem Secretary of LND; Amb. Bagudu Hirshe and others.