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Question

Difficulty: HardEvolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation

In September 1987, the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida restructured the Nigerian federation from 19 to 21 states by creating Akwa Ibom and Katsina states. This state creation exercise was primarily based on the recommendations of which of the following bodies?

  1. The Political BureauAnswer
  2. B
    The Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel
  3. C
    The Willink Commission
  4. D
    The Arthur Mbanefo Committee

Answer

The Political Bureau
The Political Bureau was set up in 1986 under Dr. Samuel Cookey to consult Nigerians on a future democratic structure. Among its key recommendations was the creation of new states to enhance development and calm minority agitations. Acting on this report, General Ibrahim Babangida created Akwa Ibom State (carved out of Cross River) and Katsina State (carved out of Kaduna) on September 23, 1987.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical milestone of state creation referenced in the question.
The exercise occurred in September 1987 under General Ibrahim Babangida, increasing the total number of Nigerian states from 19 to 21 with Akwa Ibom and Katsina.
Establishing the precise timeframe and regime narrows down the corresponding advisory panel or commission.
2
Evaluate the advisory bodies set up for transition and structural reforms during that period.
In 1986, General Babangida established the Political Bureau (headed by Dr. Samuel Cookey) to recommend political blueprint reforms, including state creation.
The Political Bureau recommended the creation of six new states, out of which the regime initially created Akwa Ibom and Katsina in 1987.
3
Distinguish the Political Bureau from other state creation panels in Nigerian history.
The Irikefe Panel was active in 1975 under Murtala Mohammed, the Willink Commission in 1957 pre-independence, and the Mbanefo Committee in 1995 under Sani Abacha.
Matching each commission to its specific military regime and year prevents misattribution errors.

Key Concept

Evolution of Nigerian State Creation and Advisory Panels
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Evolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation