The raid by the Nigerian military on the country home of Pa EK Clark in Kiagbodo came to the ljaw National Congress, INC as a rude shock. The raid, which Pa EK Clark himself called an “invasion” occurred on the 23rd of March, 2024, under the guise that a fleeing suspected criminal may be hiding in the compound. The search, which was conducted in the most arduous and harrowing manner, came with harassment and physical torture of relatives, aides and other occupants of the compound. The property was attacked from the air, land and water. So shocking, not even Enscobar, Anini or the dreaded Oyenusi of old were treated in such gruesome manner!
Nigerians may also recall that on the 4th of September, 2018, a similar raid was conducted on the home of Pa Clark in Abuja. Just as the current one, nothing incriminating was found, even then.
The INC is at loss why a 97 years old man who had lived a life of service to his community and country would be treated with such ignominy, disrespect and contempt. Pa EK Clark has never been a violent person. He is not known to own a catapult or a jackknife in all his life. He is rather a lawyer, crusader for justice, equity and fairness across Nigeria. He speaks for the voiceless and powerless. An incurable defender of the defenseless.
It is the position of INC that this actions by Nigerian establishment is not accidental or based on wrong intelligence as they want it to be. To the INC, these are deliberate actions to silence, cow, intimidate, cajole one of the loudest and credible voices in the South/South and the Niger Delta Region. The INC came to the conclusion after observing that not a single person in the other regions of Nigeria with such social standing and connections to their people like EK Clark have been subjected to such humiliating and tortuous treatment. Not even those that came out boldly to identify themselves as friends and ransoms collectors for kidnappers and bandits.
These actions by the Nigerian State is totally unacceptable. Nigeria belongs to all of us and nobody should be treated as a second class citizen, not the least a man of honour like EK Clark, a revered and respected Izon icon.
The INC may want to warn strongly: let it NOT happen again.
We also insist that a public apology be rendered to our revered leader, and the Military/FGN take responsibility for fixing of all damages caused.
Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President,ljaw National Congress
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