By Joyce Babayeju
A condolence visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the politicians of turning a solemn occasion into a platform for political grandstanding.
Chief Edwin Clark, a revered Niger Delta leader and statesman, passed away last Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy for justice, equity, and national development. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the country. However, the visit by Atiku and El-Rufai to the Clark family on Friday has been described as disrespectful and self-serving.
During the visit, El-Rufai, known for his outspoken nature, diverted from the purpose of the condolence by praising Atiku’s role in the economic policies of the Obasanjo administration. “Nobody gives Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy-making under the Obasanjo administration. Many of the things we did, we did under his leadership… but people focus on the negatives,” El-Rufai said, drawing criticism for using the occasion to promote Atiku’s political credentials.
Atiku, who has yet to declare his intentions for the 2027 presidential election, remained silent during El-Rufai’s remarks, further fueling accusations that the visit was politically motivated.
The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), a civil society group, condemned the incident in a statement, calling it a “betrayal of the values Chief Edwin Clark stood for.” The group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, described the behavior as “a stark reminder of the moral decay plaguing Nigeria’s political class.”
“This grotesque display of political grandstanding is not only a betrayal of the values Chief Edwin Clark stood for but also a slap in the face of the grieving family,” the statement read. “Atiku stood by silently as his acolyte turned a moment of mourning into a campaign spectacle. This act is a clear pointer to the depths to which some politicians will sink in their quest for power, even at the expense of basic human decency.”
The late Chief Edwin Clark was widely regarded as a man of integrity and a voice for the marginalized. His death was expected to be a time for reflection and unity, but the actions of Atiku and El-Rufai have overshadowed the occasion, drawing ire from Nigerians who view their behavior as disrespectful to the Clark family and the nation at large.
TAN called on Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.
“We as a group, condemn this despicable act in the strongest possible terms. It is a betrayal of the trust the Nigerian people place in their leaders and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life and memory. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in denouncing this shameful behavior and to demand accountability from those who seek to lead us. A nation that does not honour its heroes in death is a nation that has lost its soul, and we cannot allow such a travesty to go uncondemned, the group declared.
