A Group known as The Mid-Westerners cutting across Old Mid-Western States of Nigeria today convened a press conference with journalists at NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, Delta State, in a bid to put in the right perspective matters arising in the political landscape of Delta State as it affects Deltans in particular and Mid-westerners in general.
The press conference convened was in the wake of the recent imbroglio between Elder Statesman and leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Pa. Edwin Clark and Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa triggered by an open letter and publication written by the former to the later over the recent N250billion loan secured by Delta State Government, Southern Governors’ accord on power shift and other sundry issues.
The Chairman of the Group and Convener, Hon. Iwemdi Nwaham thanked the NUJ Chairman of Delta State Council, Cmr. Michael Ikeogwu for granting the press briefing inspite of the short notice. The Chairman of the Group, in his briefing, acknowledged that Pa Edwin Clark is an elder statesman, a father and grandfather to deltans who has paid his dues in Nigeria and served the nation eminently, and as such should be addressed with respect and dignity. However, he berated the recent open letter and publication made by Pa Clark noting that as an elder statesman and a leader, he ought to have done better in his recent action.
The Chairman of the Group expressed disappointment over the way and manner the highly respected grandfather and elder statesman could exert himself so vigourously, mentally and physically as to unsettling the peace, calm and tranquility in the political landscape of Delta State by his open letter. He likened the action of Pa Clark to that of the Ark of God taken away by the Philistines and the eventual naming of Icabod meaning “the glory has departed the land”. In his briefing, the chairman asserted that Pa Clark should have done better instead of destroying someone from the Old Midwestern region who is seeking the second highest political office in Nigeria.
Other issues addressed in the press conference were the loan of N250bn perceived to be borrowed by Okowa-led Delta State Government, Atiku’s emergence as PDP Presidential flagbearer and the choice of Okowa as Vice Presidential Candidate, amongst others.
Journalists at the event raised questions ranging from the mission, composition and political posture of the Group, the spread of the Group across Mid-Western States, the percieved preemtiveness and divisiveness of the Group, how long the Group has been existing and their impact on Mid-Westerners before this recent imbroglio that brought them to the limelight. While responding to some of the questions, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Group, Prof. David T. Ejenobo affirmed that the Group has been in existence for the past 10 years but has been working “underground”. He posited that the recent outburst between Pa Clark and Governor Okowa came to them as a rude shock which brought about the press conference.
The Group was represented at the event by its Chairman Hon. Iwemdi Nwaham, Vice Chairman Prof. David T. Ejenobo, Secretary Deacon Fidelis Chimokwu, and members Rotarian Kenneth Okwuenu and Miss Amaka Jessica.
