Clark criticizes Atiku’s condolence visit to Yar’Adua family as hypocritical

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, labeling his recent condolence visit to the family of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as hypocritical.

Clark accused Atiku of insincerity, suggesting that the visit was politically motivated rather than genuine. In a statement, Clark expressed his dismay, contrasting Atiku’s visit with those of other political figures whom he regarded as truly sympathetic.

According to Clark, Atiku used the visit to the Yar’Adua family as a political maneuver rather than a heartfelt expression of condolence.

He stated: “Without being immodest, I must acknowledge that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is at the forefront of chronic Nigerian hypocrites. I appreciate those political leaders who genuinely sympathized with the family, but some, including Atiku, used the occasion as a political ploy to gain an advantage over the deceased’s family. It is difficult for me to ascertain where Atiku Abubakar stands on this matter.”

Clark further reminded Atiku of a visit he made to the Yar’Adua family in 2007 during his presidential campaign. At the time, Atiku paid a courtesy call to the mother of his political rival, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and his former mentor, General Shehu Yar’Adua. According to Clark, this visit was made out of respect for his long-standing relationship with the Yar’Adua family, and Atiku was warmly received.

However, Clark noted that after Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s victory in the presidential election, Atiku pursued legal challenges against the results, ignoring an open letter Clark wrote on May 12, 2007, urging him to let go of his grievances in the interest of his relationship with the family.

Clark remarked: “Due to his relentless ambition to rule Nigeria at all costs, he disregarded my advice and continued his court actions, eventually losing. Now, the same Atiku leads a delegation to mourn the very woman he disrespected while she was alive. As we say in my part of Nigeria, ‘Wonders Shall Never End.'”