In a recent statement, the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has voiced strong criticism against Chief Edwin K. Clark, a prominent leader within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his condemnation of the actions taken by the party’s national secretariat in defense of 27 PDP lawmakers from Rivers State.
The group, represented by its national chairman, Hon. Haruna Bature, and the chairman of the Abuja chapter, Hon. Ogah Okpanachi, expressed that as a respected elder, Chief Clark should adopt a role of guidance and mediation amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, rather than aligning himself with the incumbent governor.
The statement articulated a call for Chief Clark to retract his letter and extend an apology to the parties involved, thereby reinstating the expected paternal and mediatory role befitting an elder statesman.
The group emphasized their dismay and disappointment over what they described as “toxic hatred and bitterness” reflected in Chief Clark’s correspondence, which targeted the defensive measures taken by Acting National Chairman Alh. Illya Damagun and National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Barr. E.N. Wike, in support of the Rivers lawmakers.
Furthermore, the statement queried why Chief Clark, who is traditionally seen as a mediator between conflicting factions, appeared to have abandoned his esteemed position by siding with Governor Sim. Fubara, thereby jeopardizing the interests of the 27 PDP lawmakers. It was noted that all parties embroiled in this political crisis are legitimate and notable citizens of Rivers State, whose interests must be preserved.
The legal complexities surrounding the alleged defection of the 27 Rivers lawmakers have been contested in court, with rulings consistently favoring them at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence expressed their expectation that Chief Clark would have chosen a pathway of peaceful mediation and reconciliation to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing disputes.
The statement further underscored that the actions taken by Alh. Illya Damagun and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu served to inform the court of the party’s position, ensuring that all stakeholders in the Rivers State crisis are afforded equitable opportunities to pursue their legal matters without bias or prejudice.
In conclusion, the group reminded Chief Edwin K. Clark that the fundamental rights of all parties involved in the Rivers State crisis, particularly those of Chief Barr. E.N. Wike, are constitutionally protected and must not be compromised for trivial personal or regional grievances.
The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence reiterated their demand for Chief Clark to promptly retract his letter, issue an apology to the implicated parties, and embrace the responsible role of a mediator that is expected of him as an elder statesman.
