Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has conveyed his sorrow and frustration following the death of Hajia Dada Rabi Yar’Adua, who passed away at the age of 102.
In a tribute, Clark honored Hajia Yar’Adua for her remarkable life and her role in raising influential figures such as Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
However, Clark also used the opportunity to tackle former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of hypocrisy in his recent visit to offer condolences to the Yar’Adua family.
Clark recalled Atiku’s close relationship with the Yar’Aduas but expressed discontent over Atiku’s actions after the 2007 presidential election, which was won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Atiku’s subsequent legal battles challenging the election results, according to Clark, demonstrated a lack of respect for the family.
Despite Clark’s previous appeal to Atiku in 2007 to “eschew all bitterness” and accept the election outcome, Atiku continued to pursue legal actions, which Clark described as disrespectful.
He argued that Atiku’s recent condolence visit appeared to be driven more by political motives than genuine empathy.
“It is difficult for me to discern where Atiku Abubakar truly stands,” Clark said, questioning the sincerity behind the visit.
Clark also took on other political figures he believes are using the occasion to advance their own interests rather than offering sincere condolences.
He called on Nigerian leaders to act with integrity and to place the nation’s welfare above personal ambitions, emphasizing that political actions should be guided by morality and conscience.
On a lighter note, Clark celebrated Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ victory over Benin Republic, remarking that the win had a positive effect on his health. He commended the team’s success as a symbol of national unity and urged Nigerians to embrace such solidarity in all aspects of life.
Clark’s intervention highlighted the ongoing complexities in Nigerian politics, where personal relationships and political ambitions often intersect, and call for a more principled approach to leadership.
