Elder statesman and leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, yesterday revealed that lack of trust is what is breaking up the country.
Speaking on the occasion of his 96th birthday celebration in Abuja, Clark said he will always speak on what he knows in defence of Nigeria, reports Daily Independent.
Clark further said that he stopped celebrating his birthdays since the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted in Borno State.
Recall that over 200 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State were abducted by gunmen from their hostels on April 14, 2014.
The elder statesman disclosed that he has not been celebrating his birthday since the incident because it was the worst experience any country could have.
He said: “I stopped celebrating my birthdays since the Chibok schoolgirls were abducted in Borno State. It was very painful.
“Today, I am not celebrating, I am thanking God. I am not celebrating because I lost two younger brothers in the past.
“It’s lack of trust that is breaking up Nigeria; Nigeria is so divided today. I am a Nigerian, I won’t keep quiet when Nigerians are suffering. If Nigeria does not stand properly, there will be no unity, there will be no peace.”
Speaking on his experience, Clark said, “I have worked for Nigeria for over 70 years, from the age of 25 or thereabout. I have served this country in various capacities. I must have offended many people, but I will always speak on any issue concerning Nigeria.
“Sometimes ago, I retired from active politics. I was a member of the PDP, but I will always speak on what I know in defence of Nigeria, we cannot be one country by words of mouth. We must love and trust ourselves. It is lack of trust that is breaking Nigeria today, Nigeria is divided but we must speak our minds.
“I am not celebrating. Since 2020, October 13, I lost my younger brother, Prof. JP Clark. In July last year, I lost my brother, Ambassador PA Clark, who was Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.
“This is a book, my memoirs that I have written. It contains everything and I titled it, ‘Brutally Frank.’ I know some people will like to take me to court but I am waiting for them. I have spoken the truth and you can’t kill truth.”
The Bayelsa State governor, Duoye Diri, who also spoke at the occasion, expressed happiness that Clark was still preaching unity at 96, and could still remember Nigeria’s history.
