The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edwin Clark

  • ‘Clark’s wife has enough political clout’

    ‘Clark’s wife has enough political clout’

    •RIGHT OF REPLY

    MARRIAGE can rob a woman of absolute love for her roots but not so for Dr. Bisola Sodipo-Clark.  The Abeokuta, Ogun State-born wife of elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has an enduring love for her home town and her trajectory of service as a public office holder is readily cited.

    Reacting to our story published penultimate week on her latest political moves, one of her aides, Mr Ibrahim Tony, dismissed speculations which suggested that she lacks political antecedents to aspire for elective positions. He said she has more than just her marriage to the South-South leader as selling point.

    “When has it become a crime for a woman from the South-West to be married to an elder statesman of the South-South origin? Does marriage make one to lose her roots and political rights in her own state of origin? Dr. Sodipo-Clark, a renowned medical doctor, founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was a two-time commissioner of Health, Commerce & industry and Women Affairs in Ogun State, at different times, is a household name politically in Ogun State.

    “Her achievements are indelible. She is relevant and in touch with the people. She is eminently qualified as a descendant of an illustrious political family and someone who had paid her political dues in the state to stand with the people to achieve any noble goal,” her aide added.

  • Clark seeks prayers for abducted girls at 87

    Clark seeks prayers for abducted girls at 87

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on Nigerians to unite in prayers for the safe return of the over 200 abducted Chibok school girls.

    The elderstateman, who turns 87 today, urged Nigerians to save the country from terrorism.

    The former federal commissioner also appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect and all their sponsors  to drop their weapons and negotiate with the federal government to end the terror war.

    Clark, who made the appeal as his birthday wish, said  the spate of insecurity will not allow him to celebrate.

    In a statement in Abuja, Clark pleaded with Nigerians not to contemplate any form of activity, including published greetings and gifts to celebrate his birthday.

    He said they should instead join him to pray against all evil forces working against the peace of the country.

    He said:”I ask all Nigerians to pray to God to save our beloved country from destruction by the forces of darkness which Boko-Haram represents.

    “As a leader who witnessed the constitutional and pre-independence conferences that led to our independence in October 1st 1960 and as an active participant in Nigeria’s political evolution since independence, I have seen it all.

    “I witnessed the patriotic zeal of nationalism of our citizens and the quest by the founding fathers to build a nation that recognises our diversity and promote unity.

    “I witnessed the termination of the first republic and the political killings that followed, oil boom and the failure to use the proceeds to industrialise the nation, tribalism and religious discrimination amongst Nigerians.

    “Today the most terrible problem haunting the state is the heartless war of terrorism and insurgency being visited on us by the Boko Haram sect in the name of religion and “no to western education.”

    He went on: “Though I am grateful to God for giving me good health on this occasion of my 87th birthday, I am very sad because of the killings of innocent Nigerians by Boko Haram.

    “We have widows and widowers and children who have become orphans. This is wicked, barbaric and inhuman because no religion encourages killings or destruction in the name of God.”

     

  • Edwin Clark’s wife goes into politics

    While Abisola Sodipo-Clark, wife of Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, may have chosen to get her husband from the South South, she is looking in the direction of the South West for a breakthrough in politics. Only last week, the fair-complexioned woman, who got married to the 87-year-old Ijaw leader last year, indicated that she might vie for an elective position in the forthcoming general elections in Ogun State.

    The medical doctor, who hails from Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, spoke while renewing her PDP membership card at her Ward 11, Ikija area of Abeokuta, the state capital. Sodipo-Clark was later received at the party secretariat by the state chairman of the party, Chief Adebayo Dayo, and Secretary, Alhaji Semi Sodipo, among other party members.

    She neither denied nor confirmed the speculations surrounding her political ambition. She, however, told newsmen that she was eminently qualified for any political position in the state. The big questions on the lips of many political watchers in the state is what political position she will be jostling for and what political antecedents she has beyond getting married to an elder statesman who is not even from Ogun State.

  • Nigeria at war with Boko Haram – Clark

    The foremost Ijaw leader and elder states man, Chief Edwin Clark, on Friday said that Nigeria is at war with the Boko Haram sect.

    He said the abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls called for a sober reflection by Nigerians.

    Chief Clark said these in Abuja when Orashi Women Patriotic Front paid him a courtesy visit in his Asokoro residence.

    Clark said he had hoped the declaration of state emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa by President Goodluck Jonathan would curb the killings in the northeast.

    He said: “I thought the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe will curb the insurgence but I have realized that it did not.

    “We are at war with evil forces, our daughters are suffering in the bush, let us pray that the God will deliver them from these evil men.”

    He appealed to his supporters, friends and well wishers not to plan any celebration for his 87th birthday but rather prayers should be made for Nigeria.

    “I know the activities of Boko Haram will soon end. We have no other country, we should love Nigeria and work together as one.

    “In our Constitution, there is no religion that is superior than the other. It is a devilish idea to say one religion must be embraced by everybody,” Clark said.

    He said that despite the defection of Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi to the opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party is on course to retain the state in 2015.

    “In 2015, Rivers State is a PDP state. And I do hope that the people of Rivers State will vote for PDP in the next election,” he added.

    Earlier in her address, the President of the group, Joy Nwanochi, called on President Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015.

     

  • Ekwueme, Clark, Gbonigi seek total war on Boko Haram

    Ekwueme, Clark, Gbonigi seek total war on Boko Haram

    The Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has called for full deployment of military arsenal to quash the insurgency in the North East.
    The group which is an assembly of leaders of thought from the three regional zones that made up the Southern Nigeria – the South-East, South-West and South-South said the unity of the country is very paramount and hence the security situation must be tackled headlong as it portends danger to the nation’s cooperate existence.
    The group which has three Co-Chair – former Vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Chief Edwin Clark and Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi met on Wednesday for over two hours to consider the country’s security situation with a view to finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
    According to Bishop Gbonigi, the group is becoming uncomfortable with the new dimension the security challenge is taking, especially with the abduction of the over 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno State.
    He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to do everything possible to remedy the situation including full deployment of military.
    He said: “We urge the President to take additional measures including the full deployment of our military arsenal to defeat the terrorists.
    “The corporate existence of the nation and collective will of the people to live peacefully together is been challenged and every patriotic Nigerian irrespective of their tribe, religion and political affiliation should rally round President Jonathan as he leads the fight to take back our country from agents of darkness and self seeking bigots.”
    He further warned, “We cannot fold our arms and watch our dear country slide into anarchy. The painful memories and scars of the unfortunate civil war are still very much with us.”
    Gbonigi also urged the security agencies in the country to do everything possible to apprehend and bring to justice the sponsors of the group.
    Ekwueme, who was represented by Dr. Dozie Ikedife, said the country cannot afford to play with naked fire, as this is what the present situation connotes.
    Clark  said the only way out right now, is the declaration of full state of emergency in the troubled states.

     

  • Falana to Jonathan: Ignore calls for removal of Borno governor, others

    Falana to Jonathan: Ignore calls for removal of Borno governor, others

    Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has berated elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clarke, over his alleged call for the removal of the governors of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States over Boko Haram insurgency.
    Falana urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ignore Clark’s views, seeking the removals of the governors.
    He said in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos that it was illegal and unconstitutional for the elder statesman to call for the removal of the governors.
    Though he admitted that Clark wields enormous influence around the Presidency, he maintained that his call for the removal of the governors was diversionary and has no backing in law.
    Falana argued, “there is nothing like partial declaration of a state of emergency in the 1999 Constitution; what section 305 (c) of the Constitution contemplates is the recourse to ‘extraordinary measures to restore peace’ and security where there is a breakdown of public order and public safety.
    “This in effect means that all democratic institution should be suspended to permit the military exercise full control until peace and order returns.”
    He said that Section 305 of the Constitution which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country does not make any provision, expressly or impliedly, for the removal of elected democratic structures.
    “In other words, the power of the President, to take “extraordinary measures to restore peace and security under a state of emergency does not include the removal of elected public officers or the dissolution of democratic structures,” the lawyer added.
    He insisted that state governors cannot be held vicariously liable for the inability of the President to stem the rising wave of insurgency in the country.

  • Clark blames Okah, brother for son’s abduction

    Clark blames Okah, brother for son’s abduction

    Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark yesterday blamed the travails of his son, Ebikeme, on the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah.

    Okah is serving a jail term in South Africa for the October 1, 2010 bombing of Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Clark, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said his son’s kidnap was engineered by Okah and his brother, Charles.

    The Ijaw leader said contrary to claims by MEND that the Delta State government parted with N500 million, his son’s release was effected without any money paid

    Clark thanked the Federal Government for its support. He also thanked the Delta State government, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki; the Inspector-General of Police, Mohamme brothers had approached him in the past, seeking collaboration in their efforts to sabotage the Federal Government.

    Clark denied participating in the militancy which occured in the Niger Delta between 2006 and 2009.

    He said he did not benefit from the proceeds of the Federal Government funds meant for the amnesty programme.

    Clark claimed that MEND and Jomo Gbomo do not exist.

    “It is Charles Okah that is using the name along with his supporters,” he said.

    Ebikeme, reliving his ordeal, said a call from Tompolo’s deputy, Boro Opudu, led to his release.

    The younger Clark, who showed reporters the injuries he sustained on his head, broke down in tears.

    He said he has forgiven his abductors.

    Giving a graphic description of his stay in the kidnappers’ den, he described them as “very organised in the business”, adding that their grouse with the government was that the government “always talk in millions,” and they are yet to see the millions.

    The younger Clark said the kidnappers asked for N50 million from his father and vowed to “kill all politicians.”

    A member of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, who was at Clark’s home, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Tompolo.

    He said the President provided an enabling environment for security agencies to “showcase their experience in tackling this incident.”

    “I think that the youths should emulate Tompolo, who is helping the government to curb youth restiveness.”

    Elumelu said the youths should “know that it is important that they do something.

    “They can’t achieve anything by carrying guns. What is important is for them to find something and fix themselves into the empowerment programme of my governor.”

  • Six arrested for Clark’s son’s kidnap

    Six arrested for Clark’s son’s kidnap

    •MEND: abduction stage-managed
     •’It is not true’

    Six people have been arrested by the police in Delta State for the kidnap of Ebikeme, the son of Ijaw National Leader Chief Edwin Clark.

    Commissioner of Police Ikechukwu Aduba said the police had stepped up intelligence and investigation.

    He said the alleged mastermind of the kidnap and provider of the AK 47 rifle used was Joshua Ogofa.

    Aduba gave the names of other suspects as David Emevor, Bosin Kevwe, Sylvester Dio, Pius Arhavwaren and Prince Meslore, adding that four members of the gang -Timi, Abel, Ndamaw and Jacob- were at large.

    He said: “Ogofa and some of his accomplices, on April 5, were arrested by personnel of the Area Commander’s Office, Warri, working with personnel of the Delta Waterways Security Committee.

    “I must stress here that the victim was released unhurt and no ransom was paid.

    “The suspects have all made confessional statements giving details of their individual/collective roles in the kidnapping.”

    Aduba said the gang members were “extremely dangerous, ruthless schemers and blood thirsty”.

    The commissioner called on the people to alert security agencies in times of distress.

    The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has claimed that Ebikeme orchestrated his kidnap.

    The militant group in a statement by its spokesman, Gbomo Jomo, alleged that a ransom of N500million was shared by persons involved in the scam.

    MEND said the ransom was paid by the Delta State Government from its security vote.

    The group accused the police of lying to the public that no ransom was paid.

    It said: “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has confirmed that the kidnap of Ebikeme Clark, the son of Chief E.K Clark, was actually a clever orchestrated fraud masterminded by Ebikeme, who stage-managed his own abduction.

    “A ransom of N500million was paid by the Delta State government from its security vote and was shared among all those involved in this scam.

    “It is rather unfortunate that in a desperate bid for relevance and extra funds to maintain a private jet, certain unscrupulous persons, including the police, will conspire to deceive Nigerians with a phantom abduction, release of the so-called hostage, influence over kidnapers and arrest of suspects and denying the payment of a ransom, which has already been shared.”

    But Ebikeme denied the allegation, saying the involvement of people, such as ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), in his release was proof that the militant group was being mischievous.

    “These are faceless people. How can I stage-manage my own kidnap? Tompolo is their Oga and he was the one who got me out. They are just looking for another story for themselves.

    “Is there anything like MEND again? Total rubbish. Thank God there are people like Tompolo, who are involved in this matter so that clears it.

    “Thank God I’m alive, they can say anything they like,” Ebikeme said.

    Officials of the Delta State government could not be reached for comments.

  • Clark: Nigeria won’t break

    Clark: Nigeria won’t break

    • explains disagreement with Dopkesi

    Former Federal Commissioner of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has reassured that the planned National Conference will not lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

    On the contrary, he said the dialogue will pave way for every group to ventilate their views.

    The elder statesman also spoke on his disagreement with the Chief Executive of Daar Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

    The media mogul, he pointed out, had worked against President Goodluck Jonathan and as such had no basis to be considered for any position in government.

    The more Dokpesi continues to insult him, the more he will continue to lose in the scheme of things.

    He spoke during an audience with some elders from North Central led by former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, who paid him a courtesy visit.

    Clark noted that it is by having every ethnic nationality on board that the nation’s strive for development will be realised.

    According to Clark: “The National Conference will be a success. I believe in justice and equality. Without equality there is no country.

    ”Nigeria will not divide. We have gone through that part before.”

    He appealed to all Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the success of the conference, which he said is for the overall good of the country.

    Mantu said that the group came to join forces with the South-South to ensure that the choice of the people emerges at the 2015 general elections.

    Mantu paid tributes to the Clark’s contributions to the nation’s political developments, saying “there are people of your age who are dragging this nation back.

    “We know some who are into one letter -writing or the other. But for you, a tree can make a forest.”

  • IYC, INC reject Ijaw elders’ decision

    IYC, INC reject Ijaw elders’ decision

    A section of the crisis-ridden Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) rejected yesterday the dissolution order slammed on the council by some Ijaw elders and leaders of thought.

    The elders, led by Chief Edwin Clark, in a meeting on January 30 in Abuja, suspended IYC structures till June 2015 and ordered that a temporary committee be established to manage the affairs of the youth body.

    Rising from an emergency convention held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the youths told the elders that they lacked powers to proscribe IYC structures.

    The youths, in a seven-point communiqué, said the decision was against the desire of the Ijaw to retain the Presidency in 2015.

    Besides, they said such declaration would only succeed in reducing the support base of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    They also unanimously upheld last October’s election of Udengs Eradiri as the President of the council.

    The youths gave a five-day ultimatum to their elders to reverse their decision, saying they had resolved themselves to sheathe their swords and work with Eradiri.

    It also announced the dissolution of three zonal chairmen—Saviour Olali (central), Preye Okaba(western), Hamilton Opuende (eastern)—and speaker of parliament, Deme Yinkore, “who voluntarily resigned and dissolved themselves”.

    Also, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) condemned the elders. INC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Pastor Victor Burubo, in Port Harcourt declared that it would stand by the truth.

    It said: “The attention of the INC has been drawn to a five-day ultimatum issued to the INC and Ijaw elders to reverse the dissolution of all IYC structures at all levels.

    “The INC wishes to make it clear that congress was not, is not and will not be part of any illegal and arbitrary decision to dissolve the duly-elected organs of the IYC at all levels.”

     

    “The INC affirms that the crisis rocking the IYC affects only the National Executive of the IYC and does not in any way affect the parliament, the zones or the clans.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the INC is not part of any decision to dissolve all the duly-elected structures of the IYC. The Parliament of the IYC and the zonal structures are still in office and their decisions have the force of law, according to the Constitution of the IYC.”