Atiku, El-Rufai under fire for disrespecting late Edwin Clark’s family

A condolence visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the family of late Edwin Clark has sparked outrage across Nigeria.

The visit, intended to pay respects to the late Niger Delta leader, was marred by El-Rufai’s praise of Atiku’s alleged achievements, which many see as a brazen act of disrespect to the deceased and his grieving family.

Chief Edwin Clark, a renowned advocate for justice and equity, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service to Nigeria. However, Atiku and El-Rufai’s actions have been condemned as a shameless political charade, exploiting the sacred moment for their own gain.

El-Rufai’s comments, in particular, have been criticized for being insensitive and self-serving. “Nobody gives Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policy making under the Obasanjo administration…but people focus on the negatives,” he said, sparking widespread outrage.

The Transparency And Accountability Network (TAN) has denounced Atiku and El-Rufai’s actions, calling them a “betrayal of the trust the Nigerian people place in their leaders” and a “blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life and memory.”

TAN National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, urged Nigerians to join in condemning the shameful behavior and demanding accountability from those who seek to lead the country. “A nation that does not honour its heroes in death is a nation that has lost its soul,” he said.