Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has expressed both sorrow and frustration following the death of Hajia Rabi Yar’Adua, mother of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who passed away at the age of 102.
In a statement of Tribute, Clark praised Hajia Yar’Adua for her wisdom and strength, having raised prominent figures such as Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
While paying tribute to the Yar’Adua family, Clark also took the opportunity to criticize former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of hypocrisy in his recent condolence visit to the family.
Clark recalled how Atiku had a long-standing relationship with the Yar’Aduas. Still, after losing the 2007 presidential election to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he continued to pursue court actions rather than accept the outcome out of respect for the family.
Clark expressed his disappointment, noting that despite his open letter to Atiku in 2007 urging him to “eschew all bitterness,” the former vice president pressed on with his legal challenges, showing what Clark described as a lack of respect for his mentor’s family.
He berated Atiku for now leading a delegation to mourn Hajia Yar’Adua, claiming it was driven by political motivations rather than genuine sympathy.
“It is difficult for me to know where Atiku Abubakar stands in this matter,” Clark said, questioning the former vice president’s sincerity. He also accused other political figures of using the occasion to plot political gains rather than offering genuine condolences.
Clark urged Nigerian political leaders to act with integrity and place the country’s interests above personal ambitions.
He emphasised the need for politics to be conducted with morality and good conscience, particularly as Nigerians struggle with various societal issues.
On a lighter note, Clark also celebrated Nigeria’s Super Eagles victory over Benin Republic, crediting the win with helping improve his health.
He highlighted solidarity as an example of national unity, regardless of regional or state differences, which he believes is the direction the country should move toward.
Clark’s admonition reminded me of the enduring complexities in Nigerian politics, where personal relationships and political ambitions frequently collide.
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