Pa Edwin Clark, a South South leader and Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has strongly criticized those who equate the Niger Delta Amnesty program with the activities of northern bandits. He described it as criminal to make such comparisons.
Addressing the press at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, the elder statesman expressed pity for those who fail to understand the complexities of the national situation and hold a narrow view on the issue. He highlighted the differences between the legitimate agitators of the Niger Delta and the “blood-sucking bandits” in the north.
Clark referred to an editorial by a newspaper that stated, “Like others before him, Yerima is confusing two contemporary security issues – blatant criminality by the bandits in the north, and agitation over oil resources in the Niger Delta.”
He emphasized that the Niger Delta amnesty worked because the militants fought for the sound economic and federalist principle of resource control. The agitators had legitimate demands related to the alienation of their people from oil wealth and environmental degradation in the region.
However, he noted that the bandits in the north have no legitimate claims and their actions are driven by mindless criminality. He criticized the idea of granting amnesty to such individuals and highlighted the devastating impact of various terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Clark commended the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and other prominent northern Nigerians who condemned the advice of Ahmed Yerima, who called for amnesty for the bandits. He also expressed regret over the statement attributed to the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, regarding the amnesty program.
In conclusion, Clark emphasized the need to differentiate between the legitimate agitations of the Niger Delta and the criminal activities of the bandits, stressing that amnesty should not be granted to reward mindless criminality.
