Elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has asked President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action by bringing the perpetrators of the heinous killings in Plateau State to justice.
In a public letter to the president obtained by LEADERSHIP, Clark said there should be no sacred cows in dealing with the sponsors and perpetrators of these acts.
He said it is perplexing how a large group of terrorists can carry out such devastating attacks on 17 villages in two nights, resulting in the loss of countless lives and vanishing without a trace.
He said it is disheartening that the killers continue to escape in this manner, despite the significant amount of money spent on securities and secret services.
While he commended the president for vowing that ‘these envoys of death, pain and sorrow will not escape justice’, the elder statesman noted that restructuring of the country is the only way to stop unprovoked massacres as was witnessed in Plateau State.
Clark said “I would also like to express my heartfelt sympathy on the senseless and barbaric killings in Plateau State. It is not only an attack on the people of Plateau, but also an attack on our President and the entire nation of Nigeria.
“I respectfully advise Your Excellency to take decisive action in order to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice. As suggested by others, it would be beneficial to set up a powerful commission of inquiry consisting of responsible patriotic and loyal citizens, including senior retired officers of the armed forces.
He said the commission should conduct a thorough investigation into the killings of innocent citizens and the destruction of properties particularly in Plateau State.
“Nigerians are eager to know whether these bandits are operating within Nigeria or if they are from outside the country. It is also important to uncover any involvement, of the army in this tragic incident. The findings of the commission should be handled with precision, and the recommendations should be implemented without hesitation.
“There should be no sacred cows in dealing with the sponsors and perpetrators of these acts. It is crucial to take decisive actions and hold them accountable for their actions.”
Stressing the need for restructuring the country, Clark said, “I respectfully urge President Tinubu treat as a matter of priority in the New Year 2024 the restructuring of Nigeria. Mr. President, you have always been the principal advocate of restructuring, even before you became senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governor of Lagos State.
“During your time, you passionately advocated for a sovereign national conference, which was even more inclusive than the current restructuring we are demanding for Nigeria.
“Undoubtedly, this pursuit of restructuring will be one of your most enduring legacies when you leave office.
“Can we rule out complicity among our security forces? It is essential to recognise that this unfortunate incident of insecurity is undoubtedly linked to President Muhammed Buhari’s eight-year administration.
“It is worth mentioning that even before his presidency in 2015, there were indications of close relationship between Buhari and BokoHaram, especially when they designated him as their representative for negotiations with President Jonathan’s government, although he rejected the offer. However, despite his refusal, the perception of complexity still remains,” he said.
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