In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, Elder statesman and foremost Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has advocated for the reintegration of the Igbo community into mainstream Nigerian politics.
Additionally, he reiterated his call for the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Clark’s appeal, the second such letter addressed to President Tinubu within a month, was made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
He expressed the belief that taking these actions would help alleviate the ongoing insecurity and economic challenges plaguing the South-East geopolitical zone.
Clark stated, “I have never supported the activities of IPOB under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, but today, Nigeria, a broken country where many groups and nativities have cried foul to the way Nigeria had been going since 1999 because of the military constitution imposed on Nigerians by the military.”
Highlighting the nation’s struggles, he added, “Today, our economy is failing, our democracy is failing, our education and health institutions are collapsing, the youths are jobless, and some people are treated as second-class citizens while a few enjoy the fruit of the so-called democracy we are passing through.”
Clark warned of the potential consequences if the violence and insecurity in the South-East persist, stating, “If we allow the violence and insecurity in the South-East to continue, the consequences will be very unpleasant to all Nigerians.”
Recalling his previous appeal to former President Muhammadu Buhari regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s case, Clark said, “It was because of this, that I called on President Muhammadu Buhari to accept the Court of Appeal Judgement on Nnamdi Kanu.”
He further explained the rationale behind his call for Kanu’s release, saying, “Apart from demanding for the restructuring of Nigeria, the political freedom of Nnamdi Kanu will no doubt complete the reconciliation of Nigeria and bring an end to the needless Monday sit-at-home order, which has disturbed businesses and civil activities in the South-East.”
Clark attributed the rise of IPOB to the marginalization of the Igbos in the South-East over the years.
“The short-changing of the Igbos of the South-East over the years is the reason why IPOB has fashioned a place for itself in the hearts and minds of the young people in the southeast with its demand for self-determination,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal observations, Clark stated, “I have physically seen these IPOB boys in action, at the Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State, when I attended a meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum there.”
He acknowledged the frustrations driving the IPOB movement, saying, “It is indeed a movement of youths who are justifiably angry with the way and manner the affairs of the country are being conducted and particularly the marginalization of the Igbos but are misguided.”
However, Clark cautioned against the use of military force, which he deemed “counter-productive.” Instead, he advocated for a “carrot and stick approach,” emphasizing, “None of these youths witnessed the civil war and are, definitely, not abreast with the history of the war and its full ramifications.”
