Katsina and Akwa lbom states were created in 1987 by General

Analyze the question: The question asks which head of state created Katsina and Akwa Ibom states in 1987.

Concept: Nigerian states were created in stages by different leaders:

• 1967: Gowon created 12 states
• 1976: Murtala Muhammed/Obasanjo regime created 19 states
• 1987: Babangida created Katsina and Akwa Ibom (21 states)
• 1991: Babangida created 9 more states (30 states)
• 1996: Abacha created 6 more states (36 states)

Solution:

1. The year is 1987.
2. Muhammadu Buhari was removed in August 1985, so he was no longer in power in 1987.
3. Olusegun Obasanjo left office in 1979 (he created states only indirectly, in 1976 as part of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime).
4. Sani Abacha created states in 1996, not 1987.
5. Tunde Idiagbon was Buhari's deputy and was not head of state.
6. Ibrahim Babangida was head of state from 1985 to 1993. On 23 September 1987 his government created Katsina (from Kaduna) and Akwa Ibom (from Cross River).

Tip: Link the numbers to the leaders:

• Gowon: 12 states
• Murtala/Obasanjo: 19 states
• Babangida: 21 states, then 30 states
• Abacha: 36 states

Also remember that Babangida's 1987 states were Katsina and Akwa Ibom, a "K and A" pair for 1987.