The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, strongly condemns the call made by Niger Delta elder statesman, Edwin Clark, to expel Abia, Imo, and Ondo States from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The organization describes Clark’s stance as parochial, barbaric, and detrimental to national cohesion and unity.
In a recent statement, Clark urged President Bola Tinubu to expel the aforementioned states from the NDDC through an amendment of the 2000 Act that established the commission. He claimed that the inclusion of these states in the NDDC was a political aberration.
Responding to Clark’s call, the factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, urged Tinubu to disregard and dismiss Clark’s unhealthy “vituperation into the dustbin of history.” Isiguzoro accused Clark of promoting ethnic bigotry, which he believes has no place in Nigeria’s diverse and multicultural society.
Isiguzoro went on to say, “Instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric and exclusionary tactics, Ohanaeze Ndigbo expected Chief Edwin Clark to advocate for the gazetting of former President Buhari’s recognition of the Old Anambra River Basins as oil-producing states. This recognition includes Anambra, Enugu, and Kogi States, which should be incorporated into the NDDC. By ignoring this crucial aspect, Chief Clark has displayed a blatant disregard for fairness and equity.”
Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly condemns Clark’s views in light of the economic hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. The organization finds his comments deeply disappointing and unacceptable, as they do not reflect the position of the Niger Delta region as a whole. Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that ethnic bigotry has no place in the nation’s discourse. Leaders like Chief Clark should focus on fostering unity and inclusivity rather than sowing seeds of division.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above Chief Clark’s divisive rhetoric and reject his exclusionary stance. The organization calls on President Tinubu to uphold the principles of fairness and equality by incorporating the Old Anambra River Basins into the NDDC. This step will not only rectify the historical injustices suffered by the Igbo people but also promote national integration, development, and unity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to the pursuit of a united and prosperous Nigeria, where every ethnic group is accorded equal rights and opportunities. The organization will continue to advocate for the fair treatment of all regions and work towards a future characterized by harmony, understanding, and shared prosperity.
