According to Punch Newspaper, Elder statesman and National Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, recently spoke with Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis about the need for Nigeria to revisit the agitation for restructuring. He also addressed the rising tension in Rivers State and the ongoing feud between Governor Sim Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among other issues.
Chief Clark has been a staunch advocate for restructuring in Nigeria. In his recent letter to President Bola Tinubu, he called for a review of the 2014 National Conference to provide leverage to the South-East region. Clark emphasized that Nigeria cannot progress if critical issues are not addressed. He recalled the 2014 National Convention, where all major regional representatives, including the then-governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is now the Senate President, participated in meaningful deliberations.
"We had a very good meeting with [President Goodluck Jonathan], and he agreed, saying he had been thinking about it. The nature of restructuring was also discussed but not in full. That was why he set up the committee," Clark explained.
Senator Femi Okurounmu led the committee, which visited many places and reported back to the assembly. The conference included 492 members, chaired by Justice Idris Kutigi, with Bolaji Akinyemi as his deputy. They spent three weeks debating procedures and six weeks in discussions, resulting in 600 recommendations. However, Jonathan did not implement these recommendations due to pressure from those who believed they owned the country.
There have been claims that the North opposed the restructuring. Clark refuted this, stating, "The North was not divided. There was only one thing; they told us that Jerry Gana, who was the co-chairman, with Ibrahim Coomassie, former Inspector General of Police, had broken up. They suspected Gana of working with us, the minorities."
During former President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure, the report resurfaced but was ignored. The APC set up a committee led by Nasir El-Rufai to address the renewed agitation for restructuring. Despite their efforts, Buhari rejected the idea, stating he did not believe in restructuring.
Clark highlighted the inequality in state distribution, with the North-West having seven states while the South-East had only five. This imbalance has been a point of contention.
Clark criticized northern governors for frequently visiting Abuja instead of focusing on their states. He believes they are not committed to their responsibilities and misunderstand the concept of restructuring.
"Section 5.2 of the 1999 Constitution states it very clearly that the state government is autonomous, not subject to the Federal Government. Of course, there are many court judgments on this," Clark noted.
The political crisis in Rivers State between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara has garnered significant attention. Clark described their previous relationship as that of father and son. Wike trusted Fubara enough to appoint him as accountant general to manage the state's finances. However, their relationship has since deteriorated.
"Wike protected them and prevented the EFCC from going in. I think there is a case in court to that effect. But now Wike no longer enjoys immunity. So, he could be arrested any day," Clark stated.
Clark expressed skepticism about the ability of elder statesmen to resolve the crisis in Rivers State. He believes that the deep-seated issues and personal interests of the involved parties make reconciliation difficult.
"One man says I have divorced. But you are my house help. There is no way. You are my son. There is no way any outsider can accept him. This is because Wike does not see anything wrong with him. He believes that he is still controlling the structures in Rivers State whereas those structures have been there from governor to governor," Clark explained.
Chief Edwin Clark remains a vocal advocate for restructuring in Nigeria. He believes addressing these issues is crucial for the country's progress. The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the reluctance of northern governors to embrace restructuring highlight the challenges Nigeria faces in achieving equitable governance. Clark's insights provide a compelling argument for revisiting the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and addressing the structural imbalances that hinder Nigeria's development.