Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumEvolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation

In May 1967, General Yakubu Gowon abolished the existing four regions and divided Nigeria into twelve states. What was the primary political objective behind this structural reorganization of the Nigerian federation?

  1. To weaken the secessionist bid of the Eastern Region by separating non-Igbo minority areas into autonomous statesAnswer
  2. B
    To implement the structural recommendations set forth by the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel
  3. C
    To dismantle the federal system and establish a centralized unitary government structure
  4. D
    To satisfy a constitutional referendum passed by the Federal Parliament under the 1963 Constitution

Answer

To weaken the secessionist bid of the Eastern Region by separating non-Igbo minority areas into autonomous states
General Yakubu Gowon promulgated the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of May 27, 1967, dividing Nigeria into 12 states to preemptively break up the Eastern Region's solidarity before its impending secession. By creating Rivers and South-Eastern States, he satisfied minority demands and severed the secessionists from oil-rich coastal areas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the historical context of May 1967 in Nigerian political history.
Nigeria was on the brink of civil war, with Lieutenant Colonel C. Odumegwu Ojukwu preparing to declare the secession of the Eastern Region as the Republic of Biafra.
Understanding the immediate threat to national unity clarifies why General Gowon acted urgently.
2
Evaluate the geopolitical strategy behind Gowon's State Creation Decree No. 14 of 1967.
Gowon split the Eastern Region into three states: East Central State (Igbo heartland), Rivers State, and South-Eastern State (minority groups).
Giving self-determination to minority populations in oil-rich coastal areas detached them from the secessionist leadership.

Key Concept

Gowon's 12-State Creation of 1967 as a Political Strategy to Preserve the Federation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Evolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation