OPEN LETTER TO PA E.K CLARK: LET DELTA STATE BREATHE

June 29, 2023

By Comr Lucky Futughe - Warri

The outburst of the Elder Statesman Pa E.K Clark on the performance of the administration of HE Sen(Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa is not only laughable but embarrassing to say the least. As a great grandfather who has served this country in different capacities, could at anytime seek audience with the then Governor for proper clarification rather than rely on politically influenced information to make erroneous assertions about the previous administration. In this report, we shall succinctly provide evidence of some projects executed by the previous administration and why Nigerians should ignore Pa Clark's unwarranted outburst. 

The Elder Statesman has served as Senator and Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also enjoys huge patronage from previous administration both at the state and Federal levels. He has made so much fortune romancing with past presidents and Governors which has further enhanced his political grips in his immediate local Government with his son emerging as Local Govt chairman. The 96years old man has continued to benefit immensely from Government patronage. Due to age and health challenges, he relies on third party vision to inform his decision on any administration and or  deliberate statements to attract patronage from incumbent governments. The same elder who misled the former president of this country in taking poor political decisions could not be taken seriously. He is known to profit from government and quickly turn against them when they refuse his demands. 

Logically thinking, elders are supposed to be the drivers of peace, however, the former Senator of Delta South Senatorial District is working tenaciously to discredit a government that has done creditably well in infrastructure, human capital development and security. One thing is very lucid during the ward to ward campaigns, it was an eye opener to the extent of work done by the State Government in our riverine and rural communities. Several communities have been linked by roads, most of which could only be accessed by rivers consuming valuable time and resources. Therefore, it is an erroneous assertion from Pa E.K Clark about the former Governor. It ultimately revealed that some individuals around him are also profiting from this campaigns of calumny against a man who did well for Deltans under the prevailing policies of former president Buhari. Government they say is a continuum and HE Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has promised to do MORE for Deltans. 

It is no longer news that, the Ijaw born leader openly endorsed former DSP Ovie Omo-Agege for Governor despite his clannish nature, lack of allegiance to Delta State as seen with ubiquitously abandoned Federal Government roads across the state. These obvious negative indices were glaring but he proceeded again in error to endorse him. Can such an elder be taken seriously? Hence, his criticisms are usually underpinned by the parochial emotions of his handlers for other strategic benefits. The over reliance on third party information is grossly inadequate for the levels of accusations on the former Governor of Delta State. 

Furthermore, Delta State needs to breathe because they have knelt down on our collective throat for so long, the youths need to grow. The old brigades should retire to their homes, enjoy natural community environment, provide unbiased suggestions/advice and witness the state blossom. The idea where some politicians need cheap endorsement should stop. 

Consequently, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to ignore the call of Elder Statesman Pa E.K Clark to send the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the former Governor of Delta State. In his usual ways, it is self serving, looking for protection from the Federal Government which has been his usual style.