Clark Challenges Akpabio’s Assertion ‘No One Should Be Above Scrutiny’

Elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw Nation, Edwin Clark, has dismissed the notion of mercenaries being involved in the recent killings of soldiers in the Okuama community, Ughelli South local government area of Delta state last week.

During a plenary session on Tuesday, Akpabio asserted that the perpetrators of the crime were mercenaries and not from the Niger Delta region…READ ALSOCharting A Course For Progress: Minister Momoh And E K Clark Forge Alliance For Niger Delta’s Regional Development

However, in an interview on Arise Television’s News programme on Tuesday night, Clark maintained that leaders of the communities implicated in the incident should be investigated, emphasizing that no one should be shielded from scrutiny.

Clark proposed collaborative efforts between the military and community leaders to apprehend the culprits, suggesting, “Well, that is hard to believe. I don’t think we should expect this scenario. Let’s introspect. As I mentioned, I conversed with the Lt Col on Thursday, and he ventured to the location on Thursday only to meet his demise.

“Unless there was prior intelligence indicating their visit to Okuama. Otherwise, their arrival there was unforeseen.

“For outsiders to ambush and encircle them is a matter that warrants thorough investigation. While we cannot disregard any possibility, it is essential to reflect on our own community.

“The leaders of these communities need to convene and provide insights; no one should evade scrutiny.

“I must stress this: I am an Ijaw, and I am deeply committed to preventing such incidents from escalating into intercommunal conflicts or confrontations.”