Chief Edwin Clark, a nationalist who served under former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as Federal Commissioner for Information, in this interview, speaks on the need for true federalism and why zoning of the nation’s presidency is paramount among other issues. Excerpts:

[/b]Let us talk about the state of the nation…
[b]
Things are very bad but we thank God that we are surviving and we remain united. The challenges are however many. Today, the country seems to be divided religiously and ethnically despite the fact that we all talk about unity. Security challenge is growing. The situation has not been effectively controlled. About four years ago, we were talking about Boko Haram in the North-East, and we felt that, with the promise made by the ruling party for ‘change’ and having the country being headed by a former military Head of State, Boko Haram would be a thing of the past. But, today, Boko Haram is still a problem. And apart from Boko Haram, we can see what is going on in the North-West, especially in Sokoto and Katsina. People are being killed, maimed and kidnapped. In Taraba, Plateau and Benue states, the situation is not different. We have, today, in the South, herdsmen ransacking everywhere, harassing maiming, kidnapping and raping women. Things are not normal.

[/b]Is this the Nigeria our heroes past foresaw when they fought for independence?[b]

I will say no because in the First Republic, even though we had some problems, the unity of Nigeria was very much guaranteed. During the pre-independence era, we were working together until 1953 when Tony Enahoro moved the motion for the independence of Nigeria and the Northern Region walked out of parliament. The British government invited Nigerian leaders to London for the 1954 and 1957 conferences and so on which led us to independence in 1960. During the period, there was peace and each of the regions was developing at its own pace while revenue allocation was based on what you produced in your area. You keep 50 percent of the allocation while the remaining 50 percent goes to the Federal Government. And of the 50 percent that goes to the Federal Government, 20 percent is kept by the Federal Government while the remaining 30 percent is shared among other regions. Until 1963 when the Mid-West Region was created, each of the regions had its own Constitution and Agent General in London. Today, you find that one of the houses acquired by the Western Nigerian government in those days is part of the Nigeria High Commission in London. Then, there was neither envy nor hatred. Both Muslims and Christians were living in peace and harmony. But when the Army struck, problem started. Then General Gowon came into power in 1966 and there was problem. The killing of prominent Nigerian politicians resulted into the counter-coup of July 1966, leading to the Aburi Accord in 1967 which did not materialise. General Gowon created 12 states after the civil war. So, today, we have 36 states including the Federal Capital. Perhaps, those who fought for independence in 1960 when we got it never envisaged that, 59 years after, Nigeria will still be so much divided and there would be many challenges. Now there is hunger; unemployment has risen to 23 percent; Fulani herdsmen carry AK 47 around and we were told they are from Libya, Burkina Faso and Mali among others and these people have been allowed to come into Nigeria untouched. The next thing we heard was that they wanted RUGA in the 36 states of the federation, meaning that these Fulani herdsmen would now be settled in the 36 states. Nigerians kicked against it, and it was suspended; but we hope it would be suspended forever because it could divide this country

[/b]What then are the chances of the South-West in 2023?[b]

They should stop thinking of becoming the President of Nigeria. What does Tinubu have to offer that the people of the South-East cannot offer? What is the justification for them to become the President of Nigeria? Is it because they belong to the APC? They should not be thinking of how to divide Nigeria. We must all unite and have respect for ourselves. The South-West should allow other people to have a taste of power. There is no way the South-West would be better than the South-East on the 2023 presidency.

[/b]What is the way forward?[b]

Let us practice true federalism in this country. Let every Nigerian have a sense of belonging. Without restructuring, the future is bleak. You remember the other day Mr. President said ‘if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us’. I also believe that if we do not restructure this country, non-restructuring of Nigeria will kill Nigeria. In a situation where some people feel they are superior to others, we don’t have a country. Nobody wants to be a slave to another person. Let the elders of the country meet from time to time to discuss the challenges of Nigeria. Like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, I have advocated that all stakeholders, including youths and women, have a roundtable to discuss the security of this country. What is happening in the North-East and North-West should not be regarded as a northern affair but a Nigerian affair because, sooner or later, it will happen to all of us.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/zoning-row-steer-clear-of-2023-presidency-for-igbo-clark-warns-yoruba-north/

What about a Benin man or Ibibio man or tiv person? Must it always be hausa-yoruba-igbo?

[s]

mrvitalis:
Chief Edwin Clark, a nationalist who served under former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, as Federal Commissioner for Information, in this interview, speaks on the need for true federalism and why zoning of the nation’s presidency is paramount among other issues. Excerpts:

[/b]Let us talk about the state of the nation…
[b]
Things are very bad but we thank God that we are surviving and we remain united. The challenges are however many. Today, the country seems to be divided religiously and ethnically despite the fact that we all talk about unity. Security challenge is growing. The situation has not been effectively controlled. About four years ago, we were talking about Boko Haram in the North-East, and we felt that, with the promise made by the ruling party for ‘change’ and having the country being headed by a former military Head of State, Boko Haram would be a thing of the past. But, today, Boko Haram is still a problem. And apart from Boko Haram, we can see what is going on in the North-West, especially in Sokoto and Katsina. People are being killed, maimed and kidnapped. In Taraba, Plateau and Benue states, the situation is not different. We have, today, in the South, herdsmen ransacking everywhere, harassing maiming, kidnapping and raping women. Things are not normal.

[/b]Is this the Nigeria our heroes past foresaw when they fought for independence?[b]

I will say no because in the First Republic, even though we had some problems, the unity of Nigeria was very much guaranteed. During the pre-independence era, we were working together until 1953 when Tony Enahoro moved the motion for the independence of Nigeria and the Northern Region walked out of parliament. The British government invited Nigerian leaders to London for the 1954 and 1957 conferences and so on which led us to independence in 1960. During the period, there was peace and each of the regions was developing at its own pace while revenue allocation was based on what you produced in your area. You keep 50 percent of the allocation while the remaining 50 percent goes to the Federal Government. And of the 50 percent that goes to the Federal Government, 20 percent is kept by the Federal Government while the remaining 30 percent is shared among other regions. Until 1963 when the Mid-West Region was created, each of the regions had its own Constitution and Agent General in London. Today, you find that one of the houses acquired by the Western Nigerian government in those days is part of the Nigeria High Commission in London. Then, there was neither envy nor hatred. Both Muslims and Christians were living in peace and harmony. But when the Army struck, problem started. Then General Gowon came into power in 1966 and there was problem. The killing of prominent Nigerian politicians resulted into the counter-coup of July 1966, leading to the Aburi Accord in 1967 which did not materialise. General Gowon created 12 states after the civil war. So, today, we have 36 states including the Federal Capital. Perhaps, those who fought for independence in 1960 when we got it never envisaged that, 59 years after, Nigeria will still be so much divided and there would be many challenges. Now there is hunger; unemployment has risen to 23 percent; Fulani herdsmen carry AK 47 around and we were told they are from Libya, Burkina Faso and Mali among others and these people have been allowed to come into Nigeria untouched. The next thing we heard was that they wanted RUGA in the 36 states of the federation, meaning that these Fulani herdsmen would now be settled in the 36 states. Nigerians kicked against it, and it was suspended; but we hope it would be suspended forever because it could divide this country

[/b]What then are the chances of the South-West in 2023?[b]

They should stop thinking of becoming the President of Nigeria. What does Tinubu have to offer that the people of the South-East cannot offer? What is the justification for them to become the President of Nigeria? Is it because they belong to the APC? They should not be thinking of how to divide Nigeria. We must all unite and have respect for ourselves. The South-West should allow other people to have a taste of power. There is no way the South-West would be better than the South-East on the 2023 presidency.

[/b]What is the way forward?[b]

Let us practice true federalism in this country. Let every Nigerian have a sense of belonging. Without restructuring, the future is bleak. You remember the other day Mr. President said ‘if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us’. I also believe that if we do not restructure this country, non-restructuring of Nigeria will kill Nigeria. In a situation where some people feel they are superior to others, we don’t have a country. Nobody wants to be a slave to another person. Let the elders of the country meet from time to time to discuss the challenges of Nigeria. Like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, I have advocated that all stakeholders, including youths and women, have a roundtable to discuss the security of this country. What is happening in the North-East and North-West should not be regarded as a northern affair but a Nigerian affair because, sooner or later, it will happen to all of us.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/zoning-row-steer-clear-of-2023-presidency-for-igbo-clark-warns-yoruba-north/

[/s]Clark ko, clock ni. Make them wait in their room. They will bring the presidency for them. I thought they don't want presidency.

Binikingdowm:
What about a Benin man or Ibibio man or tiv person? Must it always be hausa-yoruba-igbo?

Anybody can come out. It is a contest, not a title.

Binikingdowm:
What about a Benin man or Ibibio man or tiv person? Must it always be hausa-yoruba-igbo?

Its not about Igbo ...its about zone ...not Igbo fault south east is 100% Igbo

Nobody is stopping Igbo from contesting the 2023 presidency.

The question is under which political party.. Is that too hard to ask?

Westbestside:
[s][/s]Clark ko, clock ni. Make them wait in their room. They will bring the presidency for them. I thought they don't want presidency.

The funny thing your likes don't understand is ...without zoning a southerner can't rule nigeria

So your hate for Igbo's should not cloud your reason ....south west have ruled ,south south have
Its only natural they support south east as south east supported them

The thing now should be which Igbo would south west n south south be comfortable with that should be the argument

I'm of the opinion south west n south south should nominate 5 names they are comfortable with

helinues:
Nobody is stopping Igbo from contesting the 2023 presidency.

The question is under which political party.. Is that too hard to ask?

Under the two main party like 1999

If the SW are contesting the 2023 presidency then nothing stops the North from contesting as well.Both regions are equally greedy.People from the SW should stop potraying northeners only as power drunk and stop mentioning southern presidency when what they really mean is yoruba presidency

PaChukwudi44:
If the SW are contesting the 2023 presidency then nothing stops the North from contesting as well.Both regions are equally greedy.

That's a fact but south west don't want north to contest but want to ...is that not greed

When I told south west that south south won't support their ambition they said delta n Edo would I laugh this is a deltan

Now 2 zones are out so if north betray the south west who do they fall to ?

mrvitalis:

That's a fact but south west don't want north to contest but want to ...is that not greed

Over greedy de worry both regions.Obasanjo's eight years just ended in 2007 and there are back here shouting for 2023

This are the people that will not let igbo man get to that seat . Although he sound like he want them in the seat but guess what he was only trying to deceive them very cunning human being. You're fueling problem that could stare the anger of the largest tribe so they can allies against igbo.

helinues:
Nobody is stopping Igbo from contesting the 2023 presidency.

The question is under which political party.. Is that too hard to ask?

All political party or we secede ..

I am loving this , u yorubas can join fulanis to fight us back to zoogeria


Is me ur Devil

A mere geographical expression!

Igbos should get ready to either be elected as the president of Nigeria in 2023 or take a final walk out of Nigeria. Anything short of this is satanic, xenophobic and anti people

2023 shouldn't only based on presidential election alone referendum should also added to it . Then they will know that many people have given up on this failed project called Nigeria. I will rather vote referendum ahead of presidential election even if the person is my father or family talk on tribe.

Adaibeku:














All political party or we secede ..

I am loving this , u yorubas can join fulanis to fight us back to zoogeria


Is me ur Devil

In Demmie Vee's voice: Nobody dey sow where him no go reap.

SE sowed/devoted/worshiped Pdp for more than good 20 years.. If you can not demand presidency from Pdp for being a loyal region, then ........ Make I just meshonu

The next civil war will not be like the first , peace pact will be signed with the Niger delta region and the middle belt and let us see who will stop igbos.

The secession will start from the churches in Lagos where most igbos go and worship under the same insane pastors who want to deny igbos a fair play to produce a Nigeria president

mrvitalis:

Under the two main party like 1999

No.. SE devoted their time to worship Pdp for over 20 years. Why not demand presidency from them? Is that too hard to ask?

helinues:


No.. SE devoted their time to worship Pdp for over 20 years. Why not demand presidency from them? Is that too hard to ask?

I have explained it too u many times u are jot intelligent enough to get it so why bother

mrvitalis:

Its not about Igbo ...its about zone ...not Igbo fault south east is 100% Igbo

Let's see if PDP that has zoning in its constitution would zone it to SE.

mrvitalis:

I have explained it too u many times u are jot intelligent enough to get it so why bother

Your explanations wasn't logical nor convincing enough.

SW is waiting for you guys in 2023.. We have realised online rantings, likes and shares can't win any elections.

For Ikpeazu to win his reelections convincingly, SW have nothing to worry about as the votes are being controlled by the politicians not the online supporters. Those are the people that are calling voting shots

Make I give you an hint, Majority of Southern Politicians are interested in power returning back to South irrespective of their political affiliations.

Hope you dey see as how Umahi warned his staffs not to ever condemn Apc or Buhari.

Or how about Mr Projects, Wike... May be you should check his Media personals Facebook page to know what is currently up.

Elections are not won by being too sentimental or attaching too much of emotions. Politics is a game of numbers and only restricted to those who are not too emotional attached..

helinues:


In Demmie Vee's voice: Nobody dey sow where him no go reap.

SE sowed/devoted/worshiped Pdp for more than good 20 years.. If you can not demand presidency from Pdp for being a loyal region, then ........ Make I just meshonu

I know u will want Nigeria to break up ! As the case may be u have to fight to install igbo as president of ur zoo ,as TINUBU installed sanwo olu ,

Or I give u go ahead to align with fulani to fight igbos , is a great advice

helinues:


Your explanations wasn't logical not convincing enough.

SW is waiting for you guys in 2023.. We have realised online rantings, likes and shares can't win any elections.

For Ikpeazu to win his reelections convincingly, SW have nothing to worry about as the votes are being controlled by the politicians not the online supporters.

Make I give you an hint, Majority of Southern Politicians are interested in power returning back to South irrespective of their political affiliations.

Hope you dey see as how Umahi warned his staffs not to ever condemn Apc or Buhari.

Or how about Mr Projects, Wike... May be you should check his Media personals Facebook page to know what is currently up.

Elections are not won by being too sentimental or attaching too much of emotions. Politics is a game of numbers and only restricted to those who are not too emotional attached..

Lol 2023 no far just don't deactivate your account

helinues:


Your explanations wasn't logical not convincing enough.

SW is waiting for you guys in 2023.. We have realised online rantings, likes and shares can't win any elections.

For Ikpeazu to win his reelections convincingly, SW have nothing to worry about as the votes are being controlled by the politicians not the online supporters.

Make I give you an hint, Majority of Southern Politicians are interested in power returning back to South irrespective of their political affiliations.

Hope you dey see as how Umahi warned his staffs not to ever condemn Apc or Buhari.

Or how about Mr Projects, Wike... May be you should check his Media personals Facebook page to know what is currently up.

Elections are not won by being too sentimental or attaching too much of emotions. Politics is a game of numbers and only restricted to those who are not too emotional attached..

U don't get it !

we igbos aren't voting any stupid Igbo president ! Is ur duty and dat of fulani to bring him out and vote him, make him win ! Or we form our country

Join fulani and bring the second civilwar

Adaibeku:












I know u will want Nigeria to break up ! As the case may be u have to fight to install igbo as president of ur zoo ,as TINUBU installed sanwo olu ,

Or I give u go ahead to align with fulani to fight igbos , is a great advice

So you people wants Nigeria to break up because Apc is not zoning their presidency to SE or because you are too afraid to ask the presidency from the party you guys have been loyal to?

Make Una stop confusing thunder now

Una arguments sometimes dey confuse confusionists

Who Presidency epp

Igbos are not interested in presidency. We need restructuring. Simple and short.

The north and south west that have held the presidency between themselves since independence are shitholes riddled with crime, terrorism, illiteracy and poor quality of life.

Edwin Clark should not use Igbos to be popular now biko. Same Edwin Clark we heard fought against Peter Odili becoming President in 2007 because he was Igbo

Commentor:


Let's see if PDP that has zoning in its constitution would zone it to SE.

Let Apc bring out Igbo first ,leave Pdp alone

Who is taking this man serious.

mrvitalis:

Lol 2023 no far just don't deactivate your account

We were here before 2015 analysing how stuffs works.. And which have been indeed working.

So shall it work in 2023 and beyond. When the democracy returned in 1999, SW was a learner but after sometimes we learned from our mistakes and adjust.. That's progressive

An Igbo president is good but Biafra is better