Elder statesman and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd.), has urged northern elites to focus on causes that promote Nigeria’s collective interest rather than narrow regional concerns.
Gowon made this appeal on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats (LND) at the Yakubu Gowon Centre in Abuja.
During his address, Gowon emphasized the need to foster unity and collaboration across Nigeria’s diverse regions. He said, “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.”
Reflecting on his time as Head of State, Gowon discussed the challenges of maintaining national unity during his administration, particularly amid regional tensions and secession threats. “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 also spoke of his choice to remain neutral in politics, emphasizing his focus on national service. “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 said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s diversity, Gowon called on citizens to prioritize unity and collective development over regional or political interests. He noted his concern about the current challenges facing northern Nigeria, including insecurity, disunity, and socio-economic issues such as poverty and drug addiction.
“The activities of groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali have only compounded our problems. However, I am encouraged by your efforts to address these issues and promote unity in the north and across Nigeria,” Gowon added.
Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the League of Northern Democrats, praised Gowon as a symbol of unity and resilience. He commended the retired general for his leadership during Nigeria’s most challenging times and for his ongoing commitment to the nation.
Shekarau explained that the LND was not a political party, but rather a platform aimed at finding collaborative solutions to challenges such as disunity, poverty, insecurity, and erosion of societal values. “LND is a platform for patriots to find collaborative solutions to the issues of disunity, poverty, insecurity, and societal value erosion,” Shekarau stated.
In his concluding remarks, Gowon encouraged the LND and other groups to prioritize national unity and development in their initiatives. “Whatever you do, prioritize the collective good of Nigeria. Collaboration among states is essential, but it should never undermine the nation’s unity. Your efforts give me hope for Nigeria’s future, and I remain at your service,” he affirmed.
The event concluded with prayers for Gowon’s health and for Nigeria’s unity. Shekarau also took the opportunity to celebrate Gowon’s 90th birthday, offering prayers for continued strength to contribute to the nation’s progress.
