Damagum Urges Chief Edwin Clark to Avoid Sentimentality in PDP Matters

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb Umar Damagum, has called on Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent South-South leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, to adopt a more inclusive and less sentimental approach when addressing party-related issues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During an address in Abuja, Damagum responded to Clark’s recent open letter in which Clark demanded that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, should exit the PDP to ensure the party’s survival. Clark accused Wike of using his relationship with President Bola Tinubu to exert undue pressure on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the PDP leadership.

Clark, who also serves as the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, expressed concern over Wike’s actions, claiming they were creating instability within the PDP, particularly in Rivers State. He argued that Wike’s behavior was detrimental to the party and called on the PDP leadership to take swift action to address these issues.

In his letter, Clark stated, “Mr. Acting National Chairman, as a matter of fact, it is not just the National Legal Adviser of the PDP that is shocked about your actions; all well-meaning, reasonable, patriotic, faithful, and honest party members, including many Nigerians, are equally shocked.”

Clark further criticized what he described as “obvious anti-party activities” by Damagum and the National Secretary, accusing them of being tools in Wike’s hands to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration. He highlighted that Wike had openly admitted to using his influence to destabilize the Rivers State government.

The political tension between Wike and Fubara has led to a near-paralysis of governance in Rivers State, with the State House of Assembly now divided into factions. One faction, led by Martin Amaewhule, supports Wike, while the other, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, remains loyal to Governor Fubara. Despite intervention efforts by President Tinubu and other senior figures, reconciliation has yet to be achieved.

In his response to Clark’s letter, Damagum advised the elder statesman to reflect on his role and refrain from engaging in public disputes. He recalled a remark from 2015 by Olisah Metuh, addressing Clark’s departure from the party, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and neutrality in such situations.

“There’s no doubt that he is an elder statesman,” Damagum said. “But I thought that when you reach that age, God has given you the opportunity and wisdom to be a father to all, not to engage in public arguments. He has all it takes to do the needful, not by taking a sentimental approach to the situation.”

Damagum also underscored his respect for elders and his reluctance to continue the public exchange, opting instead to encourage a more constructive and peaceful resolution of party conflicts.