Clark criticises Atiku over condolence visit to Yar’Adua family

Renowned elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, has expressed sympathy over the passing of Hajia Dada Rabi Yar’Adua, the mother of former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died at the age of 102.

In a statement of tribute, Clark praised Hajia Yar’Adua for her wisdom, compassion, and the role she played in raising distinguished statesmen, including Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

However, Clark took the opportunity to launch a scathing criticism of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of political hypocrisy in his recent condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family.

Clark recalled how, during the 2007 presidential campaign, Atiku, despite his rivalry with Umaru Yar’Adua, visited the family in Katsina, a move seen as a gesture of respect for his late mentor, Shehu Yar’Adua, and his then-rival, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Clark reminded Atiku of an open letter he wrote in 2007, advising him to drop court challenges against Yar’Adua’s election victory out of respect for their long-standing relationship. He accused Atiku of ignoring this advice in pursuit of “inordinate ambition” to rule Nigeria, which he believed undermined the respect due to the Yar’Adua family.

Now, with Atiku leading a delegation to mourn the late matriarch, Clark questioned the sincerity of his actions, labelling them as politically motivated.

“It is difficult for me to know where Atiku Abubakar stands in this matter,” Clark stated, adding, “Wonders shall never end.”

Clark urged political leaders to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over personal ambitions, warning them to practise politics with good conscience and morality.

He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, highlighting the country’s potential for unity, as exemplified by the Super Eagles’ recent victory over Benin Republic, which he said had positively impacted his health.

Clark’s statement only highlighted the ongoing tensions in Nigerian politics, where personal relationships and political ambitions often intersect in complex ways.