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Edwin Clark Writes Buhari, Supports Actions Against Pipeline Vandals

An Ijaw elder statesman, Mr Edwin Clark, has condemned the castigation and harassment of the people of the Niger Delta for increasing instability in the … Continue reading Edwin Clark Writes Buhari, Supports Actions Against Pipeline Vandals


Edwin ClarkAn Ijaw elder statesman, Mr Edwin Clark, has condemned the castigation and harassment of the people of the Niger Delta for increasing instability in the region, but supported any punishment that may be decided for persons behind recent pipeline vandalism.

In a letter dated, January 22, Mr Clark requested that President Muhammadu Buhari should investigate the humiliation of a former militant, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had issued a bench warrant for the ex-Niger Delta militant after a council to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Festus Keyamo, said Mr Tompolo had consistently failed to honour invitations from the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC had asked Tompolo to appear on December 17, 2015 for questioning in respect of a 13 billion Naira land acquisition controversy for Nigerian Maritime University in Warri South-west Local Government Area (LGA) Delta State, with a threat to declare him wanted should he fail to appear.

In the letter, however, Mr Clark exonerated Tompolo from the recent attacks on pipelines in Niger delta, saying “he is a civilized Nigerian that can never be part of the renewed bombing of the pipes”.

The elder statesman pointed out in his letter that “the Niger delta region lays the golden egg, yet goes through humiliation and harassment by the government”.

“Except for one or two persons, no Niger Delta person or anyone from Ijawland owns an oil bloc, which are being controlled by other people from other regions,” he wrote.

He also condemned the renewed blowing up of major oil and gas pipelines by suspected militants in the Niger delta and urged the President to ensure that all the culprits were brought to book.

“I totally condemn the vandalism of oil and gas pipelines and will give you 100 per cent support for whatever action you take to bring the culprits to book. It is with heavy heart that I decided to take record of pipeline vandalism that have taken place within the last two years,” he wrote.

Mr Clark in his letter also requested that the President should look into the proposed scrapping of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government, Delta State established by former President Goodluck Jonathan and refund of the money already released for the project.

He further advised President Buhari to be wary of some persons around him, whom he said may be misinforming him and creating problems for him.