Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The former National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, has decried the recent demise of regional leaders of Nigeria, Chiefs Edwin Clark, Ayo Adebanjo and Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing it as, “the end of an era.”
Ogbonnia said this in a statement mourning the departed leaders in Enugu.
He said: “The death of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, the Ijaw National Leader, Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF and National Leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum SMBLF, on Monday, February 17, 2025, marks the end of an enviable era in the political discourse of Nigeria.
“The death of Clark followed closely after the death of yet another Titan, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the National Leader of Afenifere and the Deputy Leader of the SMBLF on February 14, 2025.
“The two deceased had late last year mourned the death of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.”
Ogbonnia said that the major ideology of the SMBLF was to enthrone a restructured prosperous Nigeria where the rule of Law, equity and justice shall thrive.
“Like the Three Musketeers, Clark, Adebanjo and Iwuanyanwu, believed in one for all and all for one.
“Iwuanyanwu, not only was in full support of the presidential ambition of Mr Peter Obi, of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election but was in constant touch with all the men that mattered in Nigeria.
“The Musketeers believed that the only option that can guarantee the corporate existence of Nigeria is through restructuring of the polity.
“They were committed to restructuring Nigeria, fiscal federalism, rule of law, constitutionalism, prudent leadership, impeccable judiciary, genuine separation of powers, social justice, cordial inter-ethnic cultural relations, and curbing wastes in governance, amongst others,” he said.
According to him, any patriotic Nigerian should know that the exit of Chief Edwin Clark, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had created a huge vacuum.
“In the absence of a credible opposition to the government, the death of the three Musketeers will trigger a downward spiral for the country.
“I weep as I write; I weep that Nigeria may not be able to produce the likes of Clark, Adebanjo and Iwuanyanwu in years to come.
“I weep that the voices of reason are gone. It is sad that those we tried to emulate in character, courage, fidelity and integrity are gone,” Ogbonnia said.
