By Gift Obiajuru Ukadikebuazua
Chief Edwin Clark, a known Niger Delta Leader, has condemned the comparison between what he calls legitimate agitators of the Niger Delta region and “blood-sucking bandits” in the Northern parts of the country, which he described as obnoxious and criminal.
During a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Chief Clark disagreed with the positions of the past Governor of Zamfara State, Sani Yerima, and the Islamic Cleric based in Kaduna, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who pushed for the federal government to grant amnesty to the bandits in the northwest, like the Niger Delta Militants.
According to Chief Clark, he said, “My first reaction to those who compare the murderous, blood-sucking bandits from the northern part of the country with the legitimate agitators from the Niger Delta is one of pity for their ignorance of national affairs and their myopic thinking.”
Chief Edwin Clark praised the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) for rebuking and condemning the suggestion of Sani Yerima. He criticized the statement of the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja. Earlier, the Army General suggested a review of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, while stating that the programme has created room for re-organizing and launching attacks on defenseless citizens.
Chief Clark sees the statement of the Army General as a proposal to scrap the amnesty given to legitimate agitators for a better life and environment by the Niger Delta Youths. He warned against such a decision and step, as he believes it can lead to a fresh crisis in the region.
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