Elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw Nation, Chief Edwin Clark, has called on President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to restructure Nigeria. Clark emphasized the need to implement the 2014 National Conference Report, which contains 600 recommendations on restructuring the nation.
Clark attributed insecurity in the Southeast to the perceived second-class status of the Igbo people. He criticized some Igbo leaders for aligning with various governments for personal gain, leading to disunity. Clark pointed out that the Southeast faces political and economic disparities due to having fewer states and local governments compared to other regions.
He stressed the importance of restructuring to correct these imbalances and ensure equal rights for all citizens. “We must face the restructuring of this country,” Clark said. “The immediate restructuring of Nigeria must be carried out if this country is to remain one.”
The 2014 National Conference Report, which Clark urged Tinubu to implement, includes recommendations to address various issues plaguing Nigeria. Clark highlighted that the report’s implementation would contribute significantly to a stable and united Nigeria.
Clark also addressed the marginalization of the Igbo people, urging them to stand up for their rights. He criticized the insecurity in the Southeast, blaming it partly on Igbo leaders who have accepted their second-class status.
Clark criticized the disunity among Igbo leaders, noting instances of political collaboration failures during the 2023 presidential elections. He highlighted the challenges faced by the Southeast, including fewer states and local governments, perpetuating disparities.
Clark also emphasized the need for unity among Igbo leaders to fight for their rights. He mentioned the efforts of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, led by Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, who has been advocating for the rights of the Igbo people.
Clark referenced the historical marginalization of the Igbo people since the civil war. He pointed out that many Igbo leaders and politicians failed to unite during the 2023 presidential elections, which further exacerbated their political disadvantages.
He also highlighted the imbalance in local government allocations, noting that the Southeast has significantly fewer local governments compared to other regions. Clark argued that this disparity affects the region’s political and economic standing.
Clark reiterated the need to restructure Nigeria to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. He emphasized that the 2014 National Conference recommended the creation of more states to balance the geopolitical zones. The Southeast was allotted four additional states, while other zones were given three, except the North-West, which already has seven states.
Clark argued that implementing these recommendations would create a more balanced and equitable Nigeria. He called for the immediate restructuring of Nigeria to address the imbalances and ensure that every state and citizen enjoys equal rights.
Clark stressed that restructuring is essential for Nigeria to remain united. He urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to implement the 2014 National Conference Report. Clark expressed confidence that the Igbo people could come together to fight for their rights democratically.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and equal rights for all Nigerians. Clark urged all Igbos to prioritize the future of their children and work towards a united Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal status.
Source: The Guardian
