Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South figure, Chief Edwin Clark, has publicly criticized the reappointment of Suleiman Abba as Chairman of the Police Trust Fund (PTF) after he was fired as Inspector General of Police. Clark believes that Abba’s reappointment is indicative of ongoing payment or commendation for the roles he reportedly played in the 2015 general elections.
Clark, who is the head of Pan Niger Delta Forum, stated that Abba’s reappointment appears to some as a continuous reward for his actions in the past. In his letter, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reflect on his conduct as his term comes to an end. Clark reminded the President that Abba was fired from his position as the Inspector General of Police due to disloyalty. As IG, Abba went to the airport to meet Buhari without the knowledge or authorization of his then-principal, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who was the President at the time.
Clark also advised Buhari to release Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu in accordance with the court’s verdict on him. He reminded the President about the Federal Character principle, which was introduced by the Nigerian government to ensure equitable representation and prevent the dominance of persons from a few states, religions, or particular ethnic groups in the governance of the country and the public sector.
According to Clark, the prerogative to ensure that this aspect of the laws of the land is implemented and executed lies solely on the shoulders of the President of the country, currently Muhammadu Buhari. However, it is quite disturbing that the same man who swore to uphold the laws of the land is breaching them flagrantly by reappointing Suleiman Abba as Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Police Trust Fund. Abba is from Jigawa State in the North Western geopolitical zone, and Clark believes that someone from the South should have been appointed as the Secretary.
Clark further advised Buhari that there is still time for him to make amends in the few days left before appointing people to positions. He suggested that the appointments be made fairly across the board as required by Federal Character laws and not as a means of making up for wrongdoing. He also advised President Buhari to reconsider his actions before he winds up his tenure and obey court rulings, including the one delivered on Nnamdi Kanu.
