Nigeria, Oct. 26 -- On 29 July, 1975, General Murtala Mohammed GCFR (8 November, 1938 - 13 February, 1976) became head of state by overthrowing General Yakubu Gowon GCFR (92). On 7 August, 1975, General Mohammed set up a committee on the creation of more states in the country. At that time, Nigeria had 12 states. The committee was headed by Justice Gabriel Ayo Irikefe of the Supreme Court. Other members of the committee were Dr AD Yahaya, Mr SD Lar, Brigadier Godwin G Ally and Mr. C Audifferen. The Secretary of the committee was Dr Patrick Dele Cole of The Cabinet Office.

At that time, Dr Dele Cole was an administrative officer in the Political division of The Cabinet Office. He has returned from his studies at the University of Otago, N...