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Question

Difficulty: MediumEvolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation

Which panel was established by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed in 1975 to examine agitations for state creation, leading to the increase of Nigerian states from 12 to 19 in February 1976?

  1. A
    The Willink Commission
  2. The Irikefe PanelAnswer
  3. C
    The Dina Committee
  4. D
    The Raisman Commission

Answer

The Irikefe Panel
In August 1975, General Murtala Mohammed appointed the Panel on State Creation headed by Justice Ayo Irikefe. The panel recommended expanding Nigeria's federating units, which resulted in the creation of 7 new states on February 3, 1976, increasing the total number of states from 12 to 19.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context and head of state referenced in the question stem.
The regime of General Murtala Mohammed came to power in 1975 and prioritized administrative restructuring.
State creation exercises under military regimes were typically preceded by official investigative panels.
2
Match the specific investigative panel to the 1976 expansion from 12 to 19 states.
The panel headed by Justice Ayo Irikefe submitted recommendations that led directly to the creation of 7 additional states on February 3, 1976.
Distinguishing between fiscal panels (Dina, Raisman) and state creation commissions (Willink, Irikefe) clarifies the correct panel.

Key Concept

State Creation Panels and Milestones in Nigerian Federalism
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Topics

Evolution of Nigerian Federalism and State Creation