Prominent Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark, OFR, CON, has defended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori amidst criticism from Senator Ned Nwoko.
In an open letter dated January 17, 2025, Clark applauded Oborevwori’s developmental achievements and urged him to address the neglect of Ijaw communities.
Highlighting the governor’s strides in infrastructure, Clark pointed to the ongoing transformation of Warri and other areas, including three flyovers, a cloverleaf, and road expansions by Julius Berger worth ₦78 billion. “Warri is reclaiming its position as a commercial hub,” Clark noted, adding that long-neglected areas like Enerhen Junction are now being rehabilitated.
Clark contrasted the current administration with the previous one, accusing the latter of prioritizing sparsely populated regions over urban centers like Warri and Uvwie. He also commended Oborevwori’s financial management, which has seen over ₦300 billion in inherited debt cleared within months.
Dismissing Senator Nwoko’s accusations of underperformance, Clark described them as unfounded. “Governor Oborevwori has prioritized the people’s welfare over political patronage. I challenge Senator Nwoko to substantiate his claims,” he stated.
While praising the administration, Clark emphasized the need to address long-standing inequalities in Ijaw areas. He called for the completion of key projects like the Ayakromo Bridge and the Gberegolor/Esama Bridge, the establishment of a tertiary institution in Ijaw territories, and the upgrading of the Burutu Maritime Academy to a university.
“Ijaw communities remain sidelined, with only the Kpakiama Bomodi Bridge to show for decades of governance. This disparity must be rectified,” he asserted.
Clark expressed optimism in Oborevwori’s ability to drive lasting development across Delta State, urging him to remain undeterred by distractions. “Governor Oborevwori is enhancing democracy and development in Delta State. He should continue his good work with determination and fairness,” Clark concluded.
Clark’s remarks echo growing support for Oborevwori’s administration while spotlighting the need for inclusive development across all regions of Delta State.

The Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa,
has denied any wrongdoing following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating N1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The EFCC confirmed her detention as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct, which reportedly involves funds from the 13 percent derivation allocation for oil-producing states.

Just before her arrest, Mrs. Enwa described the allegations as politically motivated, stating, “I have always carried out my duties with transparency and accountability. This is an attempt to tarnish my reputation because of my position in the previous administration.”
Supporters of Mrs. Enwa have suggested that the probe may be part of a larger political agenda to discredit officials linked to the Okowa administration. A senior Delta State official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “The timing of this investigation raises questions. Why are these allegations surfacing now, months after the transition to a new government?”
Mrs. Enwa, who served as deputy Accountant General under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan before her appointment in 2020, had previously faced questions over a N369 million fraud case in 2015. However, she was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation.

When asked about her earlier controversies, Mrs. Enwa responded, “I have faced baseless accusations before and emerged innocent. I trust the EFCC to conduct a fair investigation this time as well.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Mrs. Enwa’s arrest was part of standard investigative procedures and emphasized that no conclusions had been reached yet.

“We are committed to due process. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to allow the law to take its course,” he stated.
Mixed reactions have trailed the arrest. While anti-corruption advocates have praised the EFCC’s efforts to promote accountability, supporters of Mrs. Enwa have expressed concerns about political witch-hunts.

“It’s unfortunate that competent public servants are sometimes caught in political crossfires,” said a former Delta State commissioner.
The EFCC has indicated that more officials may be invited for questioning as investigations proceed. Meanwhile, Mrs. Enwa’s legal team has expressed confidence in clearing her name, urging the public to refrain from rushing to judgment.

Mrs. Enwa remains in EFCC custody as investigations continue.

A key leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing tax reform issues and the systemic inequities plaguing Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Clark emphasized that the unresolved tax reform debates underscored the urgent need for comprehensive restructuring to address Nigeria’s diverse economic and social challenges.

Clark reflected on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked significant tension between the federal government and state governors.
While the government seeks to push forward with the reforms, several governors, alongside the Vice President, have called for a delay, urging more stakeholder consultations.

“The failure to restructure Nigeria is at the heart of our current predicament,” Clark asserted.
He argued that only through restructuring could the country address pressing issues like fiscal federalism and the fairness of its tax and revenue-sharing system.
The lack of a clear framework for equitable resource distribution, especially between oil-producing and non-oil-producing regions has continued to fuel dissatisfaction.

The veteran statesman specifically highlighted the Niger Delta’s plight, where despite contributing nearly 90% of Nigeria’s oil, the region remains marginalized in appointments and contract allocations within the oil industry.
Clark criticized the recent composition of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the absence of key representatives from major oil-producing states like Delta and Bayelsa as a direct affront to the Niger Delta people.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s colonial history, Clark pointed to previous struggles over fair taxation, citing protests like the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, which were driven by oppressive tax policies.
Despite decades of such historical injustices, Clark lamented that Nigeria still fails to address its fundamental fiscal and structural challenges.

In his call for a national restructuring, Clark proposed a more inclusive approach to revenue-sharing and governance.
He stressed that any future reforms should prioritize improving the collection and distribution of taxes, particularly in resource-rich regions, to foster social equity.

Clark also urged President Tinubu and the Northern Governors to approach the tax reform issues with caution.
He warned that failure to address the legitimate concerns of marginalized regions could lead to further disillusionment and division.

“The time for tinkering is over,” Clark declared, insisting that only a full constitutional review, focusing on equitable governance and resource distribution, could bring about lasting peace and unity in Nigeria.

He concluded by calling on all Nigerians to support a comprehensive restructuring process that prioritizes fairness, justice, and the inclusive development of every region, emphasizing that a truly united Nigeria could only emerge when every citizen is given equal opportunities to thrive.