- A. The Gowon-led coup strictly targeted the Igbos
- B. They wanted the freedom for the Igbos at all cost
- C. Of the creation of twelve States by Gowon to dismantle any secessionist agenda ✓
- D. corruption and oppression was too prevalent in Nigeria
The answer to the question is: C. Of the creation of twelve States by Gowon to dismantle any secessionist agenda
The most immediate reason for the declaration of Eastern Nigeria as an independent State of Biafra by Ojukwu was the creation of twelve states by Gowon to dismantle any secessionist agenda. This event occurred in the context of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which took place from 1967 to 1970. The war was a result of political, economic, ethnic, and religious tensions in Nigeria, particularly between the Igbo people in the eastern region and the federal government.
The creation of twelve states by General Yakubu Gowon, who was the head of state at the time, was seen as a move to weaken the influence and power of the eastern region, which was predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people. This restructuring of Nigeria’s administrative divisions was perceived as a deliberate attempt to undermine the political and economic strength of the eastern region and its people. Consequently, this action by Gowon’s government contributed to Ojukwu’s decision to declare Eastern Nigeria as an independent state, leading to the secessionist movement and the subsequent Nigerian Civil War.
