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Tag: Edwin Clark

  • Edwin Clark tasks new NDDC management on operating laws

    Edwin Clark tasks new NDDC management on operating laws

    Elder statesman and prominent South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark has urged the Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr Effiong Akwa to operate within the laws establishing the commission.

    Clark gave the charge on Wednesday while receiving the management of the commission at his residence in Abuja.

    The elder statesman said that the commission had been under pressure lately from the people of Niger Delta for operating outside the law.

    He said the appointment of Akwa was based on his qualification and urged him to live up to expectations during his tenure.

    “There is a law governing NDDC and no one should breach that law. Not even the president has the power to do so unless it is amended by the National Assembly.

    “Any attempt to breach the law becomes illegal, null and void.

    “There have been many arguments on the legality of a sole administration over the years. They are appointed over time to oversee the commission.

    “I wish you the best of luck, we support your appointment,” he said.

    Clark appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the East West Road by allocating special funds for its completion.

    According to him, there is no provision in the NDDC budget for the road.

    The south south leader also appealed to youths in the region to give peace a chance and allow the commission carry out its mandate.

    Clark said he believed in the ongoing forensic audit of the commission adding that the earlier a board was constituted in accordance with the law the better.

    Earlier, Akwa said that the visit was aimed at presenting his work plan to the elder statesman whom he described as a father of the Niger Delta region.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his appointment assuring that he would do his best towards alleviating the sufferings in Niger Delta.

    According to him, Niger Delta people have suffered a lot as some people cannot visit their homes due to flood and environmental degradation.

    The administrator said that the National Assembly had approved the commission’s budget and that a lot would be done to transform the region within the shortest time possible.

    “We are to collaborate with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and within six to one year, the East West Road and all bridges would be completed and handed over for use.

    “We have youths abroad on scholarship and we have paid all the fees up to 2020 and anybody left may be based on technical hitches.

    “We met a headquarter building on the ground, but right now it is 98 per cent ready, and we will be inviting Mr President to commission it soon.

    “In the next few months, we want to identity those who has executed a contract that have not been paid.

    “We want to pursue payment of contractors from ecological funds to ensure everyone is paid.

    “Within the next three months, we shall commission hostel building projects in our universities that have been abandoned for about 20years,” he said.

    Akwa said there was no imposition in his appointment to head the commission and called for support from leaders and youths to allow peace to reign and for the transformation of the region into a new world.

  • Amnesty boss, Ijaw leaders reach consensus on terminal of PAP

    Amnesty boss, Ijaw leaders reach consensus on terminal of PAP

    Ijaw Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have agreed that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) should end immediately after the integration of all the beneficiaries of the scheme.

    The stakeholders including elder statesman and leader of the South South region, Chief Edwin Clark, traditional rulers, political leaders, past and present officers of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide reached the decision when they met with the Administrator of PAP, Col. Milland Dixion Dikio (retd) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday.

    Some of the leaders urged the Federal Government to ensure that the programme was given the needed financial support to execute its reintegration phase so as to bring it to an end.

    But the stakeholders insisted that the Federal Government should achieve all conceptualised benefits for PAP before bringing it to the end.

    They thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Dikio as the interim administrator and expressed optimism that with him PAP would realise its objectives.

    The leaders also called on Dikio to clean the Augean stable in the amnesty office by identifying and firing all the person that had used the PAP as a conduit pipe.

    They observed that the bad eggs in the amnesty office had derailed the programme because of their greed and fraudulent activities stressing that without removing such officials PAP would continue to have crisis.

    They appealed to all the people in the region to support Dikio and commended the administrator for taking the programme back to the original owners.

    On the issue of reintegration and empowerment, they advised the administrator to consider agriculture as a major component of his plans and to revive the training centres of the PAP.

    In his remarks, an elder statesman and nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark, urged the Federal Government not to rush to end the amnesty programme.

    Clark said: “I and other elders from the Niger Delta will continue to work with you to ensure your tenure succeeds. I want to urge all to continue to do all that is possible for us to keep the peace as we continue to fight for justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria.

    “I equally urge everybody that is gathered here that through you and all our other brothers in the region to give our son, our brother the cooperation for him to succeed.”

    Also speaking, the host governor, Douye Diri, represented by his Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Mr. Patrick Erasmus, said the government was willing to make available office to house the Amnesty programme in Bayelsa.

    He expressed delight at the summit being held in the state, saying that the amnesty was a programme that should be owned by all the Niger Deltans.

    “Bayelsa State is keen to have the office of the amnesty in this state. This summit is kind of a forum to interrogate the programme and to know where they got it wrong and the areas they have fared well.

    In his goodwill message, an Ijaw leader, Mr. T.K Ogoriba said: “I don’t want to believe that the Amnesty programme is scam, we are hopeful that our aspirations and dreams will come through.”

    He urged for support from all to ensure that the Interim Administrator of the programme succeed in restructuring and championing the course of the struggle.

    Also, a former President of Ijaw Youth Council, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, said Dikio had good plans and programme in place but prayed God to help the administration to deal with the politicians that had consistently frustrated the former coordinators.

    In his remarks, Colonel Dikio said he convened the stakeholders’ summit to interact with the custodians of the region.

    He said the meeting afforded him the opportunity to understand some of the plights of the people and promised to quarterly hold similar engagements in the region.

    The amnesty boss said his vision was to capture all beneficiaries of PAP and integrate them into the scheme urging the region to support him to achieve the mandate.

    Dikio advised ex-agitators not to make protests a culture of pressing for issues in the Niger Delta noting that after 11 years of the programme, the approach in passing out message was not yielding the desired results.

    He averred that the ex-agitators in the course of protesting about the underdevelopment in the region had destroyed the already existing infrastructures thus making the region to remain in its old state.

    Highlighting the demerits of the protest in the region, Dikio said: “The approach of protest over the years has scared many businesses away from the region. Therefore, we must find creative ways to bring back businesses to the region.

    “The Amnesty is not just the programme; there are a lot in the package. The programme does not only accommodate arms bearers alone but also the impacted communities in the region.”

    He promised that stakeholders meetings would be held regularly, at least once in a quarter to aggregate the views of the people of the region.

    He also promised that liaison offices in the region would function as the headquarters to reduce the incessant visits to Abuja.

  • JP Clark: Bauchi governor pays condolence visit to Edwin Clark

    JP Clark: Bauchi governor pays condolence visit to Edwin Clark

    Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, on Friday paid condolence visit on national elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, over the death of his younger brother, the renowned poet, Emeritus Prof. (Dr.) John Pepper Clark.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the literary icon died on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 in the comforting arms of his wife, children and siblings.

    The governor who came with his entourage, said that, on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Bauchi State, he had come to pay condolence visit on the national elder statesman, over the death of his younger brother.

    Mohammed said the loss of Prof. J. P. Clark, and it’s attendant pains, is not only felt by the Clark family, but also by the people of Bauchi State. He said that the Clark family has contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria in various aspects, as in the case of the late Prof. J. P. Clark, whose works, poems and poetry enriched the nation’s education curriculum.

    The governor described himself as a beneficiary of the intellectualism of the late Prof. because as secondary school students, they read and acted his works and plays. He said even though the death was a big blow to the literary world, Prof. J. P. Clark lives on in his works which will be continually read by even generations yet unborn, and people will know that there was once a man.

    Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed has described the elder statesman and elder brother to late Prof. J. P. Clark, Chief Edwin Clark as the most misunderstood person in the country by those who do not know him well. The governor said having had the opportunity of working closely with Chief Edwin Clark, he knows that he is a true nationalist. He also said that despite Chief Clark’s popularity and connections, he was surprised to see him living in a rented modest house in Abuja, while people were allocating houses and plots of land to their family members, friends and cronies who have not served this country up to a quarter of the way Chief Clark has done. He felt that it was wrong, that true nationalists should be appreciated in the country, especially when they are still alive, in order to motivate others; and that was why he deemed it fit that a house be sold to him in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Street named after him, during his tenure as FCT Minister.

    He stated that despite the fact that he is from the northern part of the country, Chief Clark is his father, and that he is quite confident and proud describing him as such, and also as his boss’s mentor.

    In his response, Chief Edwin Clark thanked the Governor for the visit, and also asked him to convey his sincere appreciation, on behalf of the Clark-Bekederemo family, to the people of Bauchi State.

    He said that the out pour of tributes to his late brother, Prof. J. P. Clark, both nationally and internationally, from President Muhammadu Buhari, to everybody else, is quite humbling and in fact gives the family strong solace and consolation; that the pleasant tributes, will remain as fond memories to the family.

  • BREAKING: Renowned writer, Prof J.P. Clark is dead

    BREAKING: Renowned writer, Prof J.P. Clark is dead

    Information reaching TheNewsGuru.com, TNG now has it that emeritus Professor of Literature and renowned Writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark has died on Tuesday (today) morning.

    TNG reports that Professor Clark, a popular poet and younger brother of former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark died in the comforting arms of his wife, children and siblings.

    In a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark, for the family and Mr. Ilaye Clark, for the children and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Professor John Pepper Clark died in the early hours of today.

    The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce that Emeritus Professor of Literature and Renowned Writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, has finally dropped his pen in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 13 October 2020.

    “Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and siblings, around him.

    “The family appreciates your prayers at this time.

    Other details will be announced later by the family.”

    More details later…

  • Allegation of abandoned projects: Edwin Clark takes action against sponsors of false media reports

    Allegation of abandoned projects: Edwin Clark takes action against sponsors of false media reports

    Elder statesman and prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark has instructed his solicitors, Kayode Ajulo & Co Castle of Law to commence legal proceedings against anyone identified as sponsors of false allegations against him in some sections of the media [TheNewsGuru.com, TNG not included] as regards abandoned projects in the Niger Delta.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the elder statesman’s company, Panama Construction Company had earlier denied reports of abandoning a project awarded to it by the Niger Delta Ministry in Rivers since 2011 after allegedly receiving downward payments.

    The solicitors in a detailed response to various allegations against their client (Clark) said all the allegations after thorough investigations by appropriate agencies were found to be baseless, misleading and sponsored.

    They however expressed their readiness to henceforth institute legal proceedings against anyone identified as sponsors of these false and politically motivated media attacks on the Niger Delta leader.

    Read full statement below:

     

     

  • Edwin Clark’s company denies abandoning Niger Delta ministry project in Rivers

    Edwin Clark’s company denies abandoning Niger Delta ministry project in Rivers

    Panama Construction Company Limited, a Delta State based construction company owned by prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark has reacted to allegations of abandoning contracts awarded to it by the Niger Delta Ministry since 2011 after allegedly receiving downward payments.

    According to a statement signed and released by one Engr. Okiemute Omo-Udoyo for the company, the contract in question valued at the sum of N1,434,400,664.69 was run in phases based on released funds so far.

    Omo-Udoyo further explained that budgetary provisions for the contract stopped since 2015 and efforts to revive it proved abortive. However, funds were finally released early this year but work could not commence because of the COVID-19 lockdown. Upon the easing of the lockdown, mobilisation to the site commenced.

    Read full statement below:

    The attention of Panama Construction Company Limited has been drawn to a malicious, unfounded and mischievous news circulating on some social media platforms. Although this will not be the first time such falsehood is being peddled against our Company, Panama Construction Company Limited, we have deemed it necessary to respond this time, for as stated by the Nazi Joseph Gobbles “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth” and the “illusion of truth can be a dangerous weapon in the hands of propagandists”, especially when most of these propagandists, can avail themselves of the true story, if they chose to be fair and impartial because they have the opportunity of reaching all sides in the matter.
    Panama Construction Company Limited is a limited liability Company in which Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, has interest.
    The Company was awarded a contract for Land Reclamation and Shoreline Protection at Amadi Ama, in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council of Rivers State, in March, 2011, for the sum N1,434,400,664.69, by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
    In accordance with the requirements, Panama Construction Company Limited obtained an Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) for the job. Anybody who is conversant with APG, knows that expenditures on such projects are carried out under the supervision of the Bank.
    In October, 2013, Panama Construction Company Limited submitted Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) No. 1 for the sum of N78, 215, 815.13.
    In June, 2015, Panama Construction Company Limited submitted IPC No. 2 for the sum of N156,683,034.24.
    No budgetary provision was made for the project since 2015, despite repeated appeals to the Ministry.
    It was only in December 2019 and March, 2020, just before the Covid-19 lockdown, that part releases were made for the two IPCs.
    As soon as the Covid-19 lockdown was relaxed, we started mobilising to site and the Ministry is aware of this.
    Some traducers had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, some time ago on this matter. The anti-graft agency carried out its investigation and did not find the Company wanting in anyway.
    These rumour mongers have started again, still saying that Chief Clark collected the sum of N200 million, but has abandoned the job, without doing anything.
    We want to sound a note of warning to all those who are spreading and commenting on these libellous and false news, that they should be prepared to substantiate their allegations in the Court.
    Signed:
    Engr. Okiemute Omo-Udoyo
    for Panama Construction Company Limited.

  • Why I support ex-gov Dickson’s senatorial ambition – Edwin Clark

    Elder statesman and prominent leader of the South South region, Chief Edwin Clark has thrown his weight behind the senatorial ambition of the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson.

    Recall that the Bayelsa Central and West senatorial seats became vacant following the inauguration of Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, of Bayelsa State. The duo were former occupants of the vacant senatorial seats.

    Clark where declaring his support for Dickson in a statement said the ex-governor’s impeccable performance has a former lawmaker and two-term governor of the oil rich state necessitated his support for him.

    Read full statement below:

    WHY I DECLARE MY SUPPORT FOR HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON’S SENATORIAL AMBITION – CHIEF (DR.) E. K. CLARK, OFR, CON.

    It is no longer news that, as fallout of the November 16, 2019, Gubernatorial Election in Bayelsa State, the Supreme Court, on February 13, 2020, pronounced Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, of Bayelsa State. And on Friday, February 14, 2020, the duo was inaugurated as such. With this, the Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial District, hitherto occupied by Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, were declared vacant. In accordance with extant laws, these vacant positions will be filled anytime soon.

    As applicable with every electoral season, it is not out of place to see plethora of aspirants expressing their rights by putting themselves forward to occupy electoral positions and canvassing for support, to represent our people at the red Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.

    Watching and observing from my privileged vantage position as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw race, and as a veteran politician, with many years at the top echelon of political leadership in this country, I know the true meaning of political representation, as it affects our people.

    It is a known fact that Bayelsa State is the epicenter of the Ijaw nation, at home and abroad. The State represents the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, irrespective of politics or religious persuasions or leanings and geographical locations.

    It is necessary to note in retrospect, the vivacity, patriotic and purposeful representation of our people – the Ijaw people at our different levels of political government, particularly at the National Assembly.

    At this juncture, let me go down memory lane to call to mind what obtained when we were young men. Then, we witnessed the vibrancy, patriotism and political sagacity of Ijaw nationalists who had the opportunity to occupy representative seats in the parliament. I can recall the political exploits of the likes of late Hon. Nantry Ezonbodo, Chief J.O. Ariweriyai, Chief Alexander Atie and Hon. Harris Ozeke, who shook the various Houses and defended the Ijaw interest creditably. Even though, some of them were not as educated as we have now, but they stood firmly for the Ijaw nation.

    I was in the Senate during His Excellency, Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s presidency. I represented the Delta Senatorial Zone which has now become part of Bayelsa State since 1996. I am very familiar with all the communities in the Sagbama Senatorial Zone stretching from Peteorugbene, Amabilo, Ayama Fortorugbene, Ekeremo, all in Oporomo Clan, while Sampou is in Tereakiri, and Aleibiri in Oyeakiri. Ayamasa, Ofoni. Toru-Orua, Angalabiri, Bolorua, Tereakiri, Ebedebiri in old Tereakiri Clan. While Owonbiri (Angeama) in old Kunbo Clan. Otorofani, Asamabiri, Elemebiri and Ekperiwari in old Kabowei Clan; while in Nun River area are Agbere, Tereakiri and Odoni in Oyeakiri. In the Sagbama Creek are Okunbiri in old Ogobiri Mein Clan, amongst others. Today, these are the areas that constitute Sagbama Senatorial Zone.

    I have visited all these communities both as a Community Development Officer and as a Senatorial Candidate during my campaign and during the 1991 census.
    The Ijaw nation, which dovetailed in Bayelsa State is in a serious situation where choice of leadership at the various levels, particularly at the forthcoming National Assembly by-election, forms a critical paradigm in the development of the Ijaw nation. This is where men of character, passion for Ijaw nation, developmental antecedents, courage to speak for the Ijaws when others merely murmur. Men of knowledge, exposure and integrity, broad horizon with national outlook to unite all Ijaws, irrespective of where they are politically and geographically domiciled, commitment and determination to lend full weight to the call for restructuring of this country along the lines of true federalism and devolution of powers, on the platform of justice, equity and fair play, are needed.

    I make bold to say that His Excellency, Hon Barrister Henry Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State, I am convinced, fit into these qualities.

    During the period of Hon. Seriake’s administration as Governor of Bayelsa State which began in 2012, I followed closely, and I am convinced of his impeccable performance, for a number of reasons, which I have had the cause to address at several fora.

    BASIS FOR MY SUPPORT FOR HON. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON.

    I conform to the view expressed by strategic segments of the stakeholders across religious and party leanings in support of the call to enable him offer further service to the Ijaw nation. I honestly hope my decision to support the senatorial candidature of His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, for the Bayelsa West Senatorial District will not come as a surprise to patriotic and dedicated Ijaws.

    I am not unaware of the feelings, and disappointments of many Bayelsans as a result of his (Hon. Dickson’s) last minute open support for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate to succeed him. But while I appreciate such feelings from these eminent sons and daughters, I wish to appeal to them, that in the interest of the Ijaw nation, let bygones be bygones.

    UNWAVERING PATRIOTISM TO IJAW INTEREST:

    It is a clearly known fact that Hon. Dickson has an unwavering and inherently patriotic zeal for the sustenance and enhancement of Ijaw interest, irrespective of whose horse is gored. He has sufficiently cut his leadership teeth at the various levels within the hierarchy of Ijaw National Congress (INC), and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), providing leadership and giving sense of belonging to every Ijaw man, in Bayelsa State, irrespective of the State in which they are domiciled.

    For instance, in his 8-Year regime as Governor of Bayelsa State, he ensured that Ijaws from other States were brought into his government, either as Commissioners, Special Advisers, Special Assistants and other senior government positions. He has the history, as Governor in Bayelsa State who has met critical needs of Ijaws in other States, and in the Diaspora.

    UNDERSTANDING CRITICAL NEEDS OF IJAW NATION AND THE NIGER DELTA REGION.

    He is well versed on issues of Restructuring, True Federalism, Devolution of Power and Resource Control. He has the right language to deploy, the charisma, the right commitment and determination to achieving these objective. As a former member of the House of Representatives, he has a hands-on experience on legislative procedures and workings, the leadership acumen to weather through murky waters of parliamentary democracy and gymnastics. Governor Dickson has been a leading voice in the call for restructuring of this country. He makes no pretention about it.

    INFRASTRUCTURAL REVOLUTION IN BAYELSA STATE.

    The eight years of Governor Dickson’s administration as Governor of Bayelsa State was that of infrastructural revolution in the State. The developmental strides are evident in every sector – from Education, Roads, Water, Agriculture, Housing, Health, repositioning of the Civil Service, Social infrastructure, to Aviation, etc.

    It is to his credit that he literarily declared emergency in the education, road, health and other sectors in Bayelsa State. For instance, the education sector saw the establishment of two full-fledged universities – the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, and the Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa; the Ijaw National College, Kaiama, complete with full scholarship for every child in the College, first of its kind not only in the Ijaw Nation, but even in Niger Delta, is quite commendable.

    There is also the landmark Bayelsa International Airport, hitherto, thought impossible. I had the honour of being invited to Chair the occasion for the Commissioning Ceremony of so many of these and other projects, where Gen. Yakubu Gowon, rtd., former Military Head of State, was Special Guest of Honour.

    I also watched with delight, the discussion between Prof. Wole Soyinka and Prof. John Pepper Clark, when they visited the Ijaw National College, Kaiama, immediately after the commissioning of the school.

    The success of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road is one huge achievement the Governor Dickson administration has actually brought to demonstrate that the Ijaw nation can indeed be linked and opened up by road networks.

    ACCEPTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

    Governor Dickson possess a personality that is accessible and acceptable, not just by his immediate environment, but across the wide spectrum of political divides. He has the ability and charisma to network and build strategic bridges and forge alliances across regional enclaves, towards achieving overall objectives. These are qualities that are required of true representatives of their people

    I have been privilege to be in the red Chamber. As Senator in the Second Republic, I know the dynamism that is brought to bear in parliamentary procedures.

    To refresh the memory of some persons, I have worked and merited the leadership of my dear people, the Ijaws, for over 70 years. I was the Head Master of N.A. School, Okrika (Ofonibegha), and later became the first Head Master of Ofoni N.A. School in 1954.

    Today, I am proud to say that some of my pupils in that School are Commissioners, Senators and imminent persons who have held high offices; the father of the present Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State was a senior monitor in my school in 1954. I was later appointed Head Master of the Central Native Authority School, Bomadi, in 1955, and later, as Head Master of the only Modern School in Western Ijaw at the time.

    I later became Community Development Officer, and I was in charge of the whole Delta Province. I left in 1961 to the United Kingdom to study Law. I registered as a member of the Honourable Society of Inner Temple.

    I returned to Nigeria in 1965. I was thereafter, appointed Commissioner for Education by Col. S.O. Ogbemudia (as he then was), the Military Governor of Midwest State. During my tenure, I increased the number of Secondary Schools in Western Ijaw Division from just one Secondary School to ten. The only Grammar School at that time was the St. Brendan College, Bomadi, owned by the Catholic Mission.

    It was at my time as Commissioner of Education, that the Government of Midwest State took it over and renamed it Government College, Bomadi. The school was commissioned by Brig. Mobolaji Johnson, then Military Governor of Lagos State at a ceremony.

    It may be necessary to mention here, some of the Grammar Schools I established: Gbesa Grammar School, Ozobo; Oporoza Grammar School, Patani; Mein Grammar School, Kaigbodo; Akugbene Grammar School, Akugbene; Nun Grammar School, Agbere/Odoni in Nun River; Torubeni Grammar School, Torubeni in Sagbama Creek; Ayakromo Grammar School, Ayakromo; Burutu Grammar School, Burutu, amongst others.

    In addition to the establishment of Grammar Schools, I initiated a Scholarship scheme for all Ijaw female students who gained admission into tertiary institutions. Majority of the students in the various Universities in Nigeria got scholarships and bursaries. I am responsible for the establishment of the University of Benin, where I was Pro-Chancellor for 5 (five) years. Today, the Faculty of Management Sciences of that University is named after me. Having regard to the size of our towns then, I appealed to the Governor to develop three urban towns including Bomadi, Ojobo and Patani.

    By the time I left as Commissioner of Finance between 1972 and 1974, I saw to it that the government was able to build a Hospital, Police Station and Catering Rest House in these three communities. It was while I was serving as Commissioner of Finance in 1974, that General Yakubu Gowon appointed me Federal Commissioner (Minister) of Information to take over from our beloved leader Chief Anthony Enahoro, a veteran politician.

    Hither to my appointment into the Midwest Government as Commissioner for Education, and later Finance, there was nowhere in Western Ijaw that cars can be driven to, and that was why Governor S. O. Ogbemudia, under whom I served, established the Delta Boat Yard Company to carry people and goods to all parts of Ijaw.

    I was the first Chairman of that company which had its headquarters in Warri. Later, I discovered that contrary to the wrong assertion of Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Action Group political party, that no road could be constructed to any part of Ijaw because we were living under water, I thought that was a wrong assertion; and to prove my position, the Midwest State Government under which I served as Commissioner, built a road from Ughelli to Patani, and this was followed by the Rivers State Government under Military Governor Alfred Diette-Spiff, and Professor Lawrence Ekpebu as Commissioner of Finance, which built a road from Port Harcourt to Kaiama. The contractor was Dumez under the leadership of one Mr. Kamel. This is the precursor to the now known East-West Road.

    Also, we awarded a road contract to a Greek Company called Edok Mandillas, to construct a road from Bomadi to Ojobo and from Bomadi to Gbekebo. But the Governor that succeeded Ogbemudia repeated the Awolowo theory that there was no way a road could be built to Ijaw land. At that point, work was started with late Engr. Ebikpolade Stow, as Resident Engineer in Bomadi.

    Today, I am a happy man that my desire to construct roads in Western Ijaw is accomplished. One can drive from Bomadi to other parts of Ijaw. Work on the Bomadi-Ojobo Road is on-going, and very soon, by God’s grace, the road will reach Ojobo. Meanwhile cars can be driven from Bomadi to Isama. The Bomadi-Ojobo Road was later taken over by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    I am informed that one can now drive to Tuomo and beyond, while the road to Ojobo is under construction. The Ohoro-Bomadi Road from the East-West Road was also started but could not be completed before I left to become Federal Commissioner (Minister).

    Today, at my old age, one can drive a car from Warri to Bomadi, and from there drive towards Isama, and to the Ojobo side. One can, therefore, imagine my joy and appreciation for the construction of the road from Sagbama-Ekeremor by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.

    It is in recognition of my service to the Ijaw nation that the Ijaws gathered together in Bomadi to confer on me a chieftaincy title by nine Ijaw Traditional Rulers led by the Pere of Kunbowei Clan, His Royal Highness, Pere Cole. I was made the Ebizonkereowei of Ijaw land. In all my services to our dear Ijaw nation, I did not seek or crave for material benefits.

    I have enumerated all of the above to show that any group that do not have strong personality to represent their affairs, will be almost left out in the scheme of things.

    The Ijaw nation today, more than ever before, needs people with strong character, to run for the Senate, to tackle the lingering issues, and the interest of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta; such issues as Restructuring, True Federalism, Resource Control, and other pertinent matters in the defense of the Ijaw interest, the South-South and indeed the country.

    I make bold to declare that His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, has displayed the quintessential Ijaw virtues of honour, courage and integrity, and has never succumbed to intimidation. I believe that he would advance our cause and join other compatriots to work for a better and greater Nigeria.

    As the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, we stand to gain more by working together than by singing discordant tunes. We must, therefore, settle for the best to represent our interest at the national level.

  • Edo 2020: Declare for PDP now, E. K. Clark tells Obaseki

    South-South Leader and former Federal Commissioner of Information, Chief Edwin K. Clark has called on embattled Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to declare for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Clark, who was also a Senator of the 2nd Republic, made the call in a statement that holistically addressed the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to Clark, “Governor Obaseki has so far, done well,” stressing that “he will continue the good work if given a second chance”.

    He also appealed to the people of Edo all over the world to support him to achieve his second term bid, and to PDP aspirants to also sink their interest for now in the overall interest of the State.

    “If the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, including Mr. President, fail to intervene in this unfortunate crisis in the Edo State, I would appeal to the opposition, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to take advantage of the situation.

    “I repeat, PDP, should take advantage of this unfortunate crisis in APC, to adopt the incumbent Governor of APC, Governor Godwin Obaseki, as their candidate.

    “Likewise, I would strongly advice, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to in the overall interest of Edo people, declare for the People’s Democratic Party, and contest for his second term, for him to complete his job to the people.

    “He won’t be culpable of any blame; he has tried to be a loyal and dedicated member of his party. But unfortunately, his party’s hierarchy has betrayed and disappointed him, and has apparently, handed Adams Oshiomwhole, the soul authority to decide who should be APC’s flagbearer in the next governorship election of Edo State. This is not right,” Chief Clark stated.

    Read Chief Clark’s statement on the Edo APC crisis below:

    Edo State APC Crisis: No Individual is Bigger than Nigeria

    I condemn, in the strongest terms, the disqualification of the incumbent Governor of Edo State, by the APC screening committee under the leadership of a Professor, Ayuba Jonathan, over alleged inconsistencies in the Governor’s academic credentials. I am indeed, very disappointed and embarrassed that Professors, noted for rationality, judiciousness and erudition, should now be allowing themselves to be used by people, who, educationally, are not their peers.

    What the Professor Ayuba Jonathan-led APC screening committee did is a shame to the academic world, not listening or accepting the statement from the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, the country’s premier University, instead, it resorted to adopting pettiness and irregularities, to achieve a predetermined outcome.

    The subsequent upholding of that illegitimate decision by the APC Appeal Committee is yet another action that leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

    These developments are very unfortunate, irresponsible, reckless, and appalling. It reminds one of the recent warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of likely crisis in Edo and Ondo States if the Party Primary and General elections are not properly conducted, drawing inference from the crisis which took place in both Rivers and Bayelsa States where more than 20 innocent persons lost their lives during elections. Till date, the scars of those events are still fresh.

    It is unfortunate that the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has been allowed by his party chieftains, including President Muhammadu Buhari, and my respected Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to perpetuate the happenings in Edo State

    Though I had, since 2015, retired from partisan politics, as a leader, I have every reason to comment on the present political crisis in Edo State. More so, I had made it, categorically clear that I would continue to speak on national issues; on any matter that may affect the overall interest of Nigeria, and the Niger Delta region, in particular, where, I am the leader.

    Comrade Adams Oshiomwhole, is aware of the role I played in his second term bid to become Governor of Edo State, an incident that made the PDP to falsely accuse former President Goodluck Jonathan of anti-party activities. Because I believed, at that time that he (Oshiomhole) needed a second term, which is a constitutional right, to complete some of the programmes he had initiated in his first term.

    The goings-on in Edo State are a repetition of what happened at the Lagos State Governorship primaries of the APC, in 2018, where the then Governor was removed in a primary, which did not exist. It was a shame that the team that was sent to Lagos to conduct the APC Primaries, at the time, under the leadership of a past Governor of Cross River State, who had categorically stated at a Press Briefing, that there was no primaries, and that they were going to hold the primaries the following day. But, recanted his words, and later said there were primaries held. What type of party leadership is that?

    There is no doubt that there is no one that is indispensable, but to treat fellow party men, and countrymen, in the manner that was done to the former Lagos Governor, and now to Governor Obaseki, is most horrendous.

    While, I am not a member of the APC, or of PDP, or any other political party, for that matter; it is regrettable that the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, is being destroyed as it was in some other States, in 2019; when due to the same manipulation, and rascally interferences, leading to wrong decisions, the APC lost Zamfara State, Bauchi State, and Adamawa State, to the PDP, and did not have Candidates in Rivers State, for the elections. Situations that were sufficient to be a serious lesson for the APC, on its leadership mismanagement, but it seems not so. It is, therefore, most disgusting that in 2020 APC is towing that same path, in Edo State.

    If the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, including Mr. President, fails to intervene in this unfortunate crisis in the Edo State, I would appeal to the opposition, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to take advantage of the situation.

    I repeat, PDP, should take advantage of this unfortunate crisis in APC, to adopt the incumbent Governor of APC, Governor Godwin Obaseki, as their candidate. It is a golden opportunity for the PDP to take over Edo State because Governor Obaseki has so far, done well. I want to believe that he will continue the good work if given a second chance. I also appeal to the people of Edo all over the world to support him to achieve his second term bid, and to PDP aspirants to also sink their interest for now in the overall interest of their Edo State.

    Likewise, I would strongly advice, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to in the overall interest of Edo people, declare for the People’s Democratic Party, and contest for his second term, for him to complete his job to the people. He won’t be culpable of any blame; he has tried to be a loyal and dedicated member of his party. But unfortunately, his party’s hierarchy has betrayed and disappointed him, and has apparently, handed Adams Oshiomwhole, the soul authority to decide who should be APC’s flagbearer in the next governorship election of Edo State. This is not right.

    Given the appraisal by a broad-spectrum that he has given a good account of his mandate as governor, I urge Governor Obaseki and his supporters, to be courageous, and test his popularity, with the people of Edo State, and the electorate resident in the State.

    Let the people of the State, and providence, decide his fate, not “one man”, or a group of politicians.

    As a two-time former Commissioner in the old Mid-Western region, I know Edo people, and therefore, would further appeal to them, whether at home, or in Lagos, or in the Diaspora, to team up with Obaseki, to thwart this evolving detestable tendency in our polity; and the ambition of one man, who has now become the sole authority or administrator of the APC.

    Comrade Oshiomwhole may wish to reminiscence on his own words, which he had often, immodestly, expressed, “A situation where one man decides has been abolished. All I want is power to move to the people. The people should decide who becomes their leader…”

    I also want to, further appeal to the National Chairman of APC, and his party that nobody should be allowed, for the sake political predilections, to distort the peace and stability of Edo State, and by extension the Niger Delta region. We do not want what happened in parts of Rivers State, in the course of 2019 general elections, and in Bayelsa State, during campaigns leading to the November 2019 governorship election in the State, where innocent citizens were killed, to occur in Edo State.

    I repeat my statement is entirely based on the peace and stability of Edo State, and by extension, the South-South. I consider the situation in Edo State not only a challenge to Governor Obaseki and the Edo people, but also a challenge to all lovers of democracy, freedom, and justice, in Nigeria and beyond. No individual is bigger than Nigeria!

    I am sure Comrade Adams Oshiomwhole can recall the unprintable words he spoke about his now new bride, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, during the last election, in 2016, when he supported Obaseki, when he stated “We are liable if we say anything that is libelous. I bear full responsibility in my personal capacity. I wave my immunity. I set my immunity aside and I declare as follows before God that the other guy, Mr. Ize-Iyamu, he has a very interesting life style. He went to school, he finished his Primary School … he then went to University of Benin to read Law, two years later he was rusticated, for two years they drive him from school. Why? He carried acid and poured on the body of another student. Today, that student is deformed for life …. That is his credentials and that is why he could not go to Law School… Now because of crisis of identity, he went to carry a Bible and said he is a pastor…. To carry Bible it doesn’t give a clue about who you are ….”

    During that time he extolled Godwin Obaseki, who today, is being denigrated. Nigerians are not fools; it is high time politicians are held accountable for their words, actions and inactions.

    It is immoral and indecent, for Adams Oshiomwhole to be manipulating the political space in Edo State, within the past three years, with the intention to maintain control of the political machinery in the State, and sustain the silly idiosyncrasy of godfather and godson, now culminating in Obaseki been disqualified, even as a sitting Governor, from getting the ticket of the APC.

  • Democracy Day: Edwin Clark writes open letter to Buhari on alleged injustices to South South

    LET US CALL A SPADE, A SPADE!

    OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR
    President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria
    By Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON

    Mr. President,

    LET US CALL A SPADE, A SPADE!

    Let me, begin by, expressing earnest gratitude and appreciation to Mr. President, for congratulating me, both on my 92nd and 93rd Birthday anniversaries. I deeply cherish the thoughtful gesture, and the kind remarks. As Mr. President, rightly stated in the two congratulatory messages, I have rendered over 70 years of my life to the service of this country, starting from the age of 19. And it pleased the Almighty God to keep me up to this age, and in sound health. Accordingly, as long as, I live, I will continue to work for the good of this country, in any way, I find it possible.

    It is in that light, and in view of recent worrisome developments, that I am writing this letter to Mr. President on Democracy Day. The message herein, is a message of truth; encapsulating my thoughts, as well as, the feelings, dissentions, and remonstrations, of the people of the South South Geopolitical Zone, that I have been continuously inundated with.

    I have to state it, unequivocally, the way it is, for the sake of posterity, and in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.

    And the truth, Mr. President, is that the South South Geopolitical Zone have not been treated fairly, by your administration, despite our contribution to the economy of the country. Let us call a spade, a spade!

    For reasons unknown to me, we have continued to witness discriminative, and unjust actions, against people of South South Extraction, under presidency, in the last five years.

    Why is it that people, particularly from the South South Zone, are being treated as if they are not Nigerians, as if they are foreigners, or as if they are second class Citizens, in their own country.

    Situations, whereby, people due confirmation for their positions, are being removed, and replaced with people from particular parts of the country, is not right.

    And the situations are getting too many. We are all Nigerians; we are entitled to be appointed to any position. If our people are not qualified, it is a different matter.

    Discrimination is a danger to any society, particularly, a plural society like ours.

    The recent events in the United States of America, over the ill-treatment meted to Afro-Americans; and the “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations across America, and around the world, should be a lesson to Nigeria; no nation is an island to itself.

    Mr. President, about two weeks ago, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), former Military Governor of Kaduna State, wrote a similar letter to you. The gentleman, pertinently and rightly, drew your attention to the imbalances in your appointments, and warned of the dire consequences, to the nation when he said “I regret that there are no kind or gentle words to tell you that your skewed appointments into the office of the Federal Government, favouring some and frustrating others, shall bring ruin and destruction to the nation”.

    Colonel Umar’s perspective is very correct. But, instead of giving conscientious considerations to the issues raised by the retired Colonel, what we saw, were unguarded utterances against him, by some of your aides, and partisan loyalists. That was very sad and unfortunate.

    Today, it seems, the only qualifications for appointment in the federal civil service or public service, under your administration, are religion or ethnicity.

    Let me highlight, a few of the recent puzzling, and embarrassing, actions of Mr. President, which many have termed, targeted exclusion of the South South from TOP MANAGEMENT POSITIONS in critical sectors of the nation’s Public and Civil Service.

    Replacement of Acting Director General of Security and Exchange Commission, SEC

    Mrs. Mary Uduk, acted as Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), for over two years, but Mr. President did not deem it fit to confirm her as substantive Director General of SEC. It will be recalled that this lady, from Akwa Ibom State, was appointed as acting Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission, by the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, following staff reshuffling in the agency, in March 2018.

    In view of her track record of service, many in the sector, had expected that she would be confirmed as substantive Director General of the apex stock regulatory body. But, Mr. President, thought otherwise, and instead, replaced her with Lamido Yuguda, a retired staff of Central Bank of Nigeria, somebody from the North, who was a Commissioner working under her in the Commission.

    This is a very glaring instance, of the discrimination and unfair treatment against the people of the South South, we have been talking about.

    This woman has been part of the system; she has been at SEC for over thirty years. Why should she be treated that way? Was she found wanting in the discharge of her duties and responsibilities as Acting Director General?

    Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

    Again, is the case of Mrs. Azuka Azinge. Mrs. Azinge who had worked at the CAC for about 10 years was appointed acting Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for about 2 years. Rather than confirming her appointment, charges were brought against her before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), that she maintains a domiciliary account, and that she was paid salaries and allowances which she was not entitled to, in an acting capacity, despite the fact the payments were approved by the Board of the Commission.

    In a manner unknown to extant laws, the Code of Conduct Tribunal “ordered the Minister for Trade & Industries to appoint a replacement for Mrs. Azinge”. In compliance to this “order” a letter dated 7th January, 2020, issued by the Minister of Trade & Industries, to Alhaji Garba Abubakar, from Bauchi State, who was a principal Manager and former Special Adviser to the former Registrar-General, appointing him the Registrar-General of the Commission. The whole essence of the case was to ridicule Mrs. Azinge, a South-Southerner from Delta State, and get her out of office, for a Northerner to take over.

    Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA

    Another worrisome appointment by Mr. President is that of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

    Dr. Dakuku Peterside from Rivers State was appointed DG of the Agency, in 2016, his term expired this year, he was not re-appointed.

    Unknown to, and without the input of the Minister of Transportation, under whose charge the Agency operates, Mr. President, appointed a Northerner, Bashir Jamoh, from Kaduna State, who was an executive director at the Agency, to replace Dr. Dakuku Peterside. Mr. Bashir Jamoh, is reportedly, a father-in-law to one of your aides.

    Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, also from Kaduna State, was reappointed for another four years. The two agencies, NPA and NIMASA, are parastatals under the same Federal Ministry of Transportation. Hadiza Bala Usman of NPA, from Kaduna State, was reappointed for another four years, whereas, Dakuku Peterside from Rivers State, was not re-appointed. Worst still, replaced with a Northerner. What could be the logic behind this?

    Predictably, just a few days ago, Mr. President, renewed the appointment of the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, which was done expressly, without any hullabaloo. Apparently, because he is from the Northern part of the Country.

    It is consequential, Mr. President, to further highlight that, we are yet to see a situation where Northerners have been removed and replaced with Southerners, like it was done in the case of NIMASA, and several other Agenencies.

    These situations give credence to suggestions of a Northernizing agenda of the Nation’s public service, by your administration; sacrificing merit, competency, sector experience, and geographical spread, at the altar of nepotism.

    The Situation in the Petroleum Industry

    Let me remind Mr. President, of what played out at the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, of the Ministry of Petroleum, last year. The man who was Director there, Mordecai Baba Ladan, from the North, attained the retirement age of 60 years in June, 2017, but he was retained till December, 2019. When he eventually left, consistent with the tendencies of your administration, Sarki Auwalu, also from the North, was appointed to that position. I was made to understand that, Mr. Auwalu, who was an Assistant Director, was appointed Director of the key regulatory Department, ahead of eight Deputy Directors.

    While, in the same petroleum industry, Roland O. Ewubare, who is from the South South, was moved from NAPIMS as Managing Director last year, another person from South South was not appointed to replace him. Rather, a Northerner was used to replace him, perhaps, because NAPIMS, like DPR, is said to be one of the strategic subsidiaries of the NNPC.

    Interestingly, on the other hand, when Roland O. Ewubare, was earlier, moved from Integrated Data Services Limited, he was replaced with someone from South South, in the person of Diepriye Tariah. I understand, Mr. Tariah, recently, disengaged from the service, and another South South person has been appointed to replace him.

    So it seems to me, there are positions in NNPC, reserved for people from the South South, and there are some other positions reserved for people from the Northern zone. Why the discrimination, and seeming snobbery?

    Space, and time, will not allow me, to exhaust the appalling injustices against the South South people, in the Oil and Gas industry alone.

    Mr. President will recall that I have written several Letters, both open and otherwise, to you on these issues.

    While our resources are being managed, and subjugated, mainly by people from other parts of the country, the people of the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta, who bear the brunt of degradation, arising from the oil and gas exploratory activities, receive mere soupçons, and are rendered spectators of the oil business.

    Recently, the House of Representatives passed a Motion that the unusual deaths of humans and fishes in Bayelsa and Rivers States, possibly caused by oil pollution, should be investigated. These situations cannot be allowed to continue.

    Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation

    Mr. President may wish to recall, the instance of the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who happens to also come the South South, from Cross River State. A woman, who after several years in the Civil Service of the government of the federation, rose to become Permanent Secretary, and served meritoriously, in two or three ministries before, Mr. President, appointed her Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in October, 2015.

    Mr. President, while we do not condone corruption, the way that woman was treated, leaves a lot to be desired.

    This lady worked for four years, as Head of the Federal Civil Service, and she was loyal and committed to the presidency. Throughout that period of time, nobody said anything about her. Until, I understand, she had cause to disagree with the late Chief of Staff in the presidency, Mr. Abba Kyari. It was then, that they realized she was corrupt.

    When she decided to resign on her own, Mr. President, said no; that she should remain in office. Only to be later humiliated, and disgraced, and now being prosecuted on all sorts of charges. Why? Because she comes from the South South, which is, regarded as a disadvantaged Minority area, where its people can be exploited, ridiculed and maltreated, by anybody. She had nobody to protect her; so, as usual, they treated her in such a shabby manner. I repeat that, I am not supporting corruption, if there is any malfeasance on her part, she should be tried.

    The Case of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria

    That brings to mind, the way the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, he too from Cross River State, was treated as well. I recall, how we appealed, when Mr. President hesitated to confirm his appointment after his recommendation by the NJC. Until the Acting President at the time, forwarded the letter for his confirmation to the Senate.

    One had expected his confirmation would have ended the hatred against the jurist but for obvious political and other reasons, and perhaps, having regard to Mr. President’s reelection stratagem in 2019, this man was allowed to be harassed, humiliated, dehumanized, and disgraced, by less qualified, and far junior benchers, like the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, to the extent that, the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, was undignified.

    And Mr. President, unprecedentedly, without deference to the Constitutional provisions on the appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria, appointed an Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria; a person who was later queried by the Nigerian Judiciary Council (NJC).

    And for no known reasons, the NJC, made up of senior jurists, surprisingly, without making any attempt to rectifying the situation, confirmed the unconstitutional appointment made by Mr. President.

    As a Lawyer of over 50 years standing, I was ashamed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) could not live up to expectation. I do not know what they are afraid of.

    Mr. President, why is this being done to people who have faithfully served this nation, in their various positions. What is going on?

    The 16-Point Demand of the Niger Delta region

    The 16-Point Demand of the Niger Delta region drawn up after our intervention as leaders of the region with the Niger Delta Avengers, for which, I led a 100 – Member Delegation including First Class Traditional Rulers of the region, and which had in attendance Governors of the region, to Mr. President on the 1st of November, 2016, is yet to be attended to.

    The Presidential Amnesty Program has now become everybody’s affair in Nigeria. These situations are unacceptable.

    The construction of the East-West Road has been abandoned. Recent news reports show the deplorable nature of the road. Motorists and travellers are stock and stranded in the Bayelsa axis, an unmanageable gridlock of trucks and other vehicles has formed stretching to several kilometers. A journey of between 15 and 20 minutes, now last for hours un-end. Same is happening at the Akwa-Ibom/Cross River axis. The East-West Road is undoubtedly the haulage route of the nation’s economy; yet it is a project not qualified as a priority project for the monies recovered from Gen. Sani Abacha to be spent on.

    My adjuration, therefore, to the people of the South South, is that they should esteem themselves as Bona fide Nigerians, and be courageous, in fighting for their undeniable rights. Nobody owns this country more than they do; rather Nigeria stands to lose, if there is crunch in our Region because of this injustices, unfairness, neglect, and continued marginalization.

    Conclusion

    Today is June 12, which Mr. President declared, Democracy Day, last year, in place of May 29, and the essence of this day, that is freedom and equality, epitomizes the crux of this letter.

    Therefore, as we remember, the heroic courage and sacrifices of MKO Abiola, and all those who have stood in defense of TRUTH, FREEDOM, and DEMOCRACY, may I implore, Mr. President, to discard the togs of nepotism and injustice. And don the noble vestments of inclusiveness, equity, fairness, and justice, for the betterment of Nigeria, our dear country as in the days when the politically motivated Kano State voted against their son Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and voted massively for Alhaji Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), from Souh-West.

    That was the height of Nigerian democracy.

    I pray that as we celebrate Democracy Day today, we go back to that era where Nigeria was Nigeria; not now when religion and ethnicity decides who is popular and who is better qualified to be voted for.

    I am an old man now, I have just celebrated my 93rd birthday, but it would be unthinkable for me, to keep quiet in the face of such injustice, oppression, and marginalization, unfair and unjust treatment, being practiced against my people. I can say, without doubt, we have never had it this so bad.

    I do not know when it will please the Almighty God to call me home. But, let me sound this note of warning, THINGS CANNOT CONTINUE THIS WAY!

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON
    Leader, South-South, former Minister of Information, Senator of the 2nd Republic
    June 12, 2020

  • Edwin Clark, a nationalist, elder-statesman committed to Nigeria’s unity – Ex-Minister Gbagi

    Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has described Chief Edwin Clark, as a nationalist and an elder-statesman committed to the unity of the Nigerian State.

    Gbagi stated this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja to felicitate with Clark on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.

    According to the former Minister, Clark while serving as Minister of Information under Yakubu Gowon’s Administration in 1975, spearheaded the drive to create the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to other States in the West African region.

    He added that Clark’s nationalist posture attracted the attention of different administrations, one that made it possible for him to serve in different capacities at the federal level.

    “I heartily congratulate Chief Edwin Clark, whom I refer to as my father, on the occasion of his 93rd birthday celebration.

    “Without mincing words, he is a blessing to our nation given his immense contributions as a nationalist and elder-statesman towards ensuring the unity of Nigeria.

    “As Minister of Information in 1975 under Yakubu Gowon, he was one of those behind what we have now as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    “Records have it that he took the idea and travelled to Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Mauritania, amongst others, to invite the Heads of States to the maiden summit.

    “Chief Clark has no doubt distinguished himself as a politician and nationalist in the history of the Nigerian State.

    “It is therefore my fervent prayer that whatever contract of longevity that is left between him (Clark) and God should be fulfilled in good health, strong body and soul,” Gbagi said.