The Niger Delta Lawyers for Equity (NDLF) has given a one-week ultimatum to the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja.
The group demands an immediate and unreserved apology for the military raid on the home of prominent Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark. The NDLF has condemned the raid and has threatened to seek legal recourse if an apology is not issued.
A statement released to THE WHISTLER, signed by the group’s coordinator, Akpokona Omafuaire, insists on an apology within a week. If this is not forthcoming, the group will seek legal redress.
The statement expresses the group’s shock and disbelief at the commando-style raid on the home of their South-South Leader. They are calling on the President and the Chief of Defence Staff to issue an unreserved apology within a week. If this does not happen, they will initiate legal proceedings for the disrespect and international humiliation caused.
While the group acknowledges the widespread condemnation of the unfortunate incident near Okuama community and expresses sympathy with the families of the deceased officers, they believe that the military operations have become excessive and uncontrolled.
They emphasize that Clark is a representative figure of the South-South and Niger Delta region, having made significant contributions to Nigeria. They argue that the raid on his home is not just an insult to him, but also to the entire Niger Delta region and its people.
The group accuses the security forces of displaying their most destructive skills when dealing with issues concerning the region. They suggest that if the same level of aggression was deployed in addressing the insecurity in the North, the problems of Boko Haram and banditry would have been resolved long ago.
They point out that Clark was among the first to condemn the killing of soldiers and question why he was humiliated for advocating the arrest of those responsible for the atrocious crime.
The group questions whether similar actions would be taken against top Fulani and Hausa leaders if such incidents occurred far from their homes in the North.
They allege that the incident was a deliberate attempt to humiliate and silence the voice of the Niger Delta region. As a result, they demand a national apology from the President and the Chief of Army Staff. They warn that if their demands are not met within a week, they will have no choice but to take legal action against them and file a petition with Amnesty International and the United Nations.
