Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, has described the widespread poverty, insecurity, economic hardship, and other challenges plaguing Northern Nigeria as self-inflicted problems.
Mark made this assertion while presenting a paper titled 'Unity and Social Cohesion as a Panacea to the Challenges Facing Northern Nigeria' at the 3rd Expanded Meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) North in Abuja on Saturday.
The NPCG (North), which last convened on May 26, aims to foster unity among Northern political leaders and strengthen collaboration to function as a cohesive interest group, ideally within a single political party.
Taking Responsibility for Regional Challenges
In his presentation, Mark urged Northern leaders to end the culture of blame and acknowledge their responsibility for the region's challenges.
"It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today to speak on a matter that defines our present and may shape our future — the urgency and the efficacy of unity and social cohesion as the solution to the challenges facing our region," he stated.
"The North as we know is a land of rich history and mineral resources, fertile land for agriculture, diverse cultures, and immense potential. In spite of these blessings, we are confronted with deep-seated challenges of insecurity, poverty, ethnic and religious tensions, political fragmentation, social and economic stagnation," Mark continued.
He emphasized, "We must first admit that we are the architects of our problems, we must stop the blame game if we truly and genuinely want to find a lasting solution."
Division Hindering Progress
The former Senate President further stated that division has hindered the North's progress, while apathy and lack of action have only widened the existing rift.
"If we are to overcome our present travails, we must return to the principles of justice, equity, mutual respect, and shared purpose that once made Northern Nigeria a beacon of hope, peace, unity and development," he said.
"Over the last decade, banditry, terrorism, insurgency and communal clashes have turned our villages into battlegrounds, displacing millions and crippling our economy. Despite its vast resources, the North remains the poorest region in the country, with alarming rates of illiteracy, unemployment and poor infrastructure," Mark noted.
He added, "Mistrust between and among ethnic groups and religious communities has been exploited by selfish and desperate interests, leading to violent conflicts. Instead of uniting for common goals, our elites often prioritise personal and sectional interests over collective progress."
Path to Restoration
Mark emphasized that a brighter future is possible for Northern Nigeria, starting with a shared commitment to reject division and embrace unity.
"We must tone down our inflammatory statements and return to that golden era when we used to have genuine and deep respect for each other. After all, not long ago we treated each other, first and foremost, as brothers and sisters; when the appellation Northerner captured our collective essence before our ethnic, sectional and religious affiliations," he stated.
The ADC interim National Chairman called on all Northerners to see it as a solemn responsibility to foster unity and serve as bridge-builders within their local communities, rather than as agents of division.
"Too often, as politicians, we exploit ethnic and religious differences in order to win elections, and thereafter, we leave our people hopelessly divided. The destructive weaponisation of ethnicity and religion we saw in the last election is unacceptable," Mark said.
"This is where the African Democratic Congress will make the difference. For us, politics is about service and not manipulation," he added.
Addressing Root Causes
Mark identified perception of marginalization as a major cause of division in Northern Nigeria, calling for fairness in appointments, resource allocation, and opportunities.
"Ignorance is the biggest enemy of unity, social cohesion and development. We must invest in education that teaches our children the value of diversity. Let our schools, churches and mosques preach tolerance. Let our media promote stories of cooperation. For as long as we continue to treat investment in education with levity and frivolity, for that long shall we continue to reap poverty and insecurity," he emphasized.
On security challenges, Mark described them as self-inflicted, adding, "We cannot continue to expect solutions from elsewhere. Northern Nigeria used to be the safest part of Nigeria. There were no armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism or fraudsters, but today the story in the North is different."
He called for a return to effective community policing infrastructure where villagers protected each other, as was the practice under the Native Authority system.
"The North is bleeding profusely, and we are the only ones who can heal it. Let us commit today to: Reject hate speech and divisive politics. Invest in unifying projects—education, healthcare and infrastructure. Hold each other accountable for our actions and inactions. Shake hands across the divide and restore our bond of brotherhood," Mark concluded.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
