E K Clark Solidarity For Good Governance Condemn Unwarranted invasion of The Residence of South- South Leader , CHIEF Dr. E.K CLARK OFR, CON. Describes Action As PROVOCATIVE, AND SUCH GRIEVOUS “MISTAKE” SHOULD NOT REPEAT ITSELF
By Wilson Macaulay
The E K Clark Solidarity For Good Governance, a socio-political movement, based in Delta State have strongly deplored the unmerited and unwarranted invasion of the residence of the leader of south-south at Kiagbodo, Burutu local government, Delta State, Chief Dr. E. K Clark, OFR,CON by the Nigerian Army as one unfortunate “mistake” coming too many, at a time when all hands should be on deck in finding solutions to the many Economic,Political and insecurity problems bedeviling the nation and and the recent unfortunate murder of seventeen officers and soldiers at Okuama, Delta State.
A Press release signed by Prince Akpo Abugo – Coordinator on behalf of it’s leadership made available to newsmen
reads in part :
“While we condemn the brutal killings and call for a thorough investigation to fish out the perpetrators of this distardly act as it is not in consonance with our values, culture as a people, our hearts and prayers are with the immediate bereaved families of these fallen officers and soldiers.”
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However, the statement continued: ” We see the unwarranted invasion which was termed as a “mistake” by the military as one of those “mistakes” coming too many that impedes on national security and civil collaboration, that has led to lack of trust of Nigerians on their security personnel and repression which has worsened the civil – security agencies collaboration over the years.The South-South People will not accept any attempt to rubbish the living national icon which we have in Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The many problems bedeviling the state, Niger Delta, would have been a thing of the past if subsequent Nigerian leaders and present leadership had listened to the voice of reason, vision and courage of Pa Clark.”
Still harping on the avoidable mistakes ,
the Group noted in their Press release:
” Odi, Gbaramatu would have been avoided, the cult war in Rivers state that snowballed into a dangerous trend under Omehia would have been avoided, Oil theft, bunkering and criminality would have been avoided, the environmental degradation and cost to health would have been avoided, the activities of oil companies with corporate office headquarters in Lagos while they drill crude oil in Niger Delta would have been avoided, the apartheid policies of the oil companies on employment against host communities except menial jobs despite the availability of manpower would have been avoided.”
Moving forward, the Statement explained:” Corruption and other vices bedeviling the oil sector and insensitivity of government towards the plights of the oil producing communities would have been avoided and maybe we would not have been where we are today. We urge President Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to accord the south -south leader the respect he deserves , if not for his person but for his age and timeless services to national development of Nigeria , which he is still doing even at 97 years.”
” We wish to stress that Pa Clark over the years had use his voice, advocacy, writings, publications to advance the rule of law and address several injustice against his people, he had also given useful advice which had fallen on government deaf ears on how to redress problems bedeviling oil producing communities, he has used the instrumentality of law to advance social justice and because of his selfless attitude which commands unwavering respect and love from the Niger Delta people and even beyond as a nationalist.He has similarly used his influence in preventing explosion by radicals who feels his peaceful agitation had not yielded tangible desired results.”
Chief Clark himself alluded to this in a Tell magazine publication, many years ago, when he said : ” If the government fails to hearken to the voice of reason of elders like me in the region, there may come a time when our appeal to them may not be respected by these youths and they may prefer to sit on the driving seat.”
The statement further added: “I think we have long entered that stage with the upsurge of militancy, criminal gangs, escalation of oil bunkering, youths restiveness, among others. The “mistake” is an indication and reflection of the poor intelligence gathering of our security agencies that act on impulse rather than intelligence, we submit no security succeeds without credible intelligence and good robust relationship with citizens.”
The Group maintained that it was not only Pa. Clark’s house that was invaded but also the residence of his junior brother, late Amb. Akporode Clark, a former Nigeria Permanent representative to the United Nations , they didn’t only break doors but left the occupants traumatized, it’s sad as a nation we chase mere shadows and leave behind real substance.
The statement continued: ” While we commiserate with the families of the killed officers and soldiers and condemn the distardly act by the criminals, we demand they be fished out and face the wrath of the law. We similarly condemn the invasion of the residence of Clark as provocative and not a good representation of the ideals of what he stands for over the years, good governance, anti corruption, egalitarian society and social justice, rule of law among others, we hope this should not be repeated for Clark is the corporate identity of what a better society stands for, voice and good aspirations for Niger Delta people, with zero tolerance for crime, that any good government and people should embrace and associate with, we equally use this opportunity to thank the government of Delta State, led by his Excellency Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the statescraft shown and maturity demonstrated at the heat of the crisis, his magnanimity shows Deltans made a good choice. We once again condemn the provocative invasion of Clark’s residence and call for a thorough investigation to bring all whose hands are stained with blood to book so as to act as a deterant to other
criminal elements in our society.
