Edwin Clark Writes To Tinubu, Seeks Intervention In Rivers State Crisis

• Clark said the President’s intervention is crucial to prevent further escalation.
• He appealed to Tinubu’s democratic values to resolve the crisis.

Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the crisis in Rivers State.

In a letter to the President, Clark emphasized the need for Tinubu to caution Minister Nyesom Wike and ensure a peaceful resolution.

Clark said Wike’s refusal to make peace is exacerbating the situation.

He added that the President’s intervention is crucial to prevent further escalation.

Clark appealed to Tinubu’s democratic values to resolve the crisis, adding that inaction would be akin to neglecting a burning fire in Rome.

He said the situation in Rivers State is precarious and requires urgent attention adding that if not addressed, it could spread and have devastating consequences.

Clark’s letter, dated June 25, 2024, was made available to the press in Abuja.

Clark said, “I wish to congratulate you for your prompt action taken by the Presidency to douse the political tension in Rivers State.

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media to Mr President disclosed the President’s position during an interview on TVC on Saturday, 11th May, 2024. And it has been warmly received by Nigerians, particularly in Rivers State.

The crisis will no doubt gradually die down if the statement is upheld by the Presidency, and it will enable us to face the security problem in other parts of the country.

“I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the federal level, state level or the legislative branch in the state or the legislative branch in the state or the executive branch in the state, if they are banking on Mr President to take sides on this matter, they are mistaking and they will be disappointed.

“I am now 97 years and by the grace of God while I may be in my last journey, I have therefore deliberately decided to address the Rivers State issues historically, factually, and courageously without fear or favour to anyone in the interest of Nigeria as a result of your Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike’s continuous threat to remove from office the elected Governor of Rivers State.

“I am confident and proud to say that I have known you for many years even though we have never worked together but in our various positions, we successfully fought against anti-democratic policies of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime between 1999 and 2007, and I developed a special admiration for you when you boldly and courageously spoke against President Olusegun Obasanjo’s interference with your State Local Government system.”