Former chief of staff to late president Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has warned that a divided North within an already fractured Nigeria is a clear signal of the dangers posed by exclusion, inequality and persistent insecurity.
He gave the warning on Friday during the 17th pre-convocation lecture of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where he spoke on the theme: "A Divided North in a Divided Nation: The Imperative of Promoting Inclusive and Accountable Governance in Nigeria in a Rapidly Changing World Order."
According to the former minister of foreign affairs, Nigeria stands at a critical turning point as demographic pressures, climate stress, rapid technological change and shifting global geopolitics increasingly test the country's institutions and social cohesion.
"A divided North within a fractured nation sends a warning: if exclusion, inequality, and insecurity persist, the consequences will be severe. Yet, the future is not predetermined," Gambari said.
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Despite the challenges, he noted that positive efforts were emerging across the country. He cited peace committees, women's cooperatives, youth-led civic technology initiatives and reform-oriented public officials working to improve education, healthcare and social protection as examples of progress.
He stressed, however, that the key challenge is to transform these scattered successes into lasting institutions and governance norms that endure beyond individual office holders. This, he said, requires political courage, intellectual integrity, and sustained engagement across social, ethnic and political divides.
Drawing lessons from the leadership of the late northern premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Gambari said national unity must be built on understanding and managing differences rather than ignoring them.
He called for stronger communities, mentoring of young technocrats and public office holders, and leadership that views public office as a platform for service.
"Nigeria can be rebuilt as a shared community of destiny only through inclusive institutions, measurable accountability, and a renewed ethic of humility and duty," he said.
Gambari further urged Nigerians to confront their history honestly by acknowledging past injustices and violence while also highlighting moments of cooperation.
He called for investment in institutions that protect rights, resolve conflicts, and promote constructive dissent, alongside a political culture rooted in accountability, humility and service.
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On global developments, he observed that the world is undergoing rapid, complex and multidimensional changes, not all of them positive. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence that current geopolitical shifts do not have to disadvantage Nigeria or Africa.
"We have abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development and achieve the structural transformation that has eluded us for too long. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of an evolving world order are being written," Gambari said.
The lecture was part of activities marking Al-Qalam University's upcoming convocation with a strong focus on governance, national unity and Nigeria's future in a changing world.
