Awolowo’s 1961 Motion for New Regions and Minority Self-Determination

This 1961 parliamentary motion proposed the creation of new regions from the old Western, Northern and Eastern Regions. It called for areas including the Mid-West, Rivers, Calabar, Ogoja, Middle Belt and North-East to have separate regional structures. The argument was that Nigeria’s ethnic and linguistic groups should have political self-determination within a balanced federation. It also criticised the dominance of the old Northern Region and urged safeguards on revenue, constituencies, interim administration and elections for any new region. The motion was passed by voice vote on 4 April 1961 and later approved by the Eastern and Northern regional legislatures. It was subsequently ruled unconstitutional because no formal division vote was held.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.