Correct Option: B. 12 to 19 Detailed Explanation: The Murtala/Obasanjo regime in Nigeria, which lasted from 1975 to 1979, is significant in the context of Nigeria's state structure. During this period, the government undertook a major reorganization of the country’s administrative divisions, which included the creation of new states.

1. Historical Context: Before the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, Nigeria had 12 states. This was established in 1967 when the country was divided into states to promote regional governance and reduce ethnic tensions. However, the need for further decentralization and better representation of various ethnic groups led to the decision to create more states.
2. Creation of New States: In 1976, the Murtala/Obasanjo regime announced the creation of additional states. This resulted in the number of states increasing from 12 to 19. The new states created were:
3. Benue
4. Borno
5. Cross River
6. Imo
7. Ogun
8. Ondo
9. Osun
10. Yobe
11. and others.
12. Rationale for State Creation: The rationale behind creating more states was to enhance local governance, ensure better distribution of resources, and address the diverse ethnic composition of Nigeria. By increasing the number of states, the government aimed to bring governance closer to the people and reduce the dominance of any single ethnic group in the political landscape.
13. Impact of the Changes: The increase in the number of states had significant implications for Nigeria's political structure, including the distribution of federal resources, representation in government, and the management of local affairs. It also set a precedent for future state creation in Nigeria, as subsequent regimes continued to create more states.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Option A: 4 to 12: This option is incorrect because Nigeria never had only 4 states. The country was divided into regions before the state system was established, and the first major reorganization in 1967 created 12 states from the existing regions.
• Option C: 19 to 20: This option is also incorrect. While the number of states did eventually increase beyond 19, the Murtala/Obasanjo regime specifically increased the number from 12 to 19. The transition from 19 to 20 states occurred later, under different administrations.
• Option D: 30 to 36: This option is incorrect as well. At no point did Nigeria have 30 states before the Murtala/Obasanjo regime. The increase to 30 states occurred much later, in the 1990s, under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Revision Summary:

• The Murtala/Obasanjo regime increased the number of states in Nigeria from 12 to 19 in 1976.
• The creation of new states aimed to enhance local governance and better represent Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups.
• The changes set a precedent for future state creation in Nigeria, impacting political representation and resource distribution.
• Understanding the historical context of state creation is crucial for grasping Nigeria's political evolution.