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Guber Re-Run Elections: PDP Wins Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue …APC Clinches Plateau, Kano …Yusuf, Useni Reject Results, Head To Court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State winner of the governorship election, after last Saturday’s supplementary poll.
Tambuwal won with a slim margin of 342 votes.
According to the Chief Collation/Returning Officer, Prof. Fatima Mukhtar, Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured the highest votes of 512, 002 to defeat his closest rival, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 511, 660 votes.
Declaring Tambuwal the winner of the polls, the returning officer said, “I, Fatimah Muktar, hereby certify that I was the returning officer for Sokoto State governorship election held on 23rd of March, 2019.
“PDP candidate, Aminu Tambuwal having scored the highest votes in the election, is hereby declared winner and returned elected according to law” Mukhtar said.
“That the election was contested and the candidates received the following votes: 512, 002 for Aminu Tambuwal, and 511, 660 votes for Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu.
“That Aminu Tambuwal having satisfied the constitutional requirements, is hereby declared the winner of the election.”
Mukhtar, who is the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, said the votes were tallied along with previous ones recorded after the March 9 election.
It would be recalled that the election then was declared inconclusive because the vote difference between Tambuwal and his challenger was lower than the cancelled votes.
“The total number of registered voters was 1, 887, 767 while 1, 083, 413 voters were accredited. Total number of valid votes was 1,036,332 and the total number of rejected votes was 31, 662. The number of total votes cast was 1, 067, 994”, Mukhtar said.
According to her, during the re-run election, PDP’s Tambuwal polled 22, 444 votes while APC’s Aliyu scored 25, 515 in the 135 polling units where supplementary election was conducted.
She further explained that 49 candidates from other participating parties shared the remaining votes cast.
However, the APC agent at the collation centre, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi raised complaints the party made to INEC earlier about the malfunctioning card reader at a polling unit in Tambuwal.
Dingyadi added that election was repeated at the polling unit, after lawful election was conducted on March 9 election.
In his reaction, the PDP collation agent, Alhaji Umar Bature, dismissed the objections on the ground that the collation centre was not the right place to lodge the complaint.
Mukhtar noted the complaint and said that it would be reflected in the final report.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sadiq Musa, said the declaration of the winner was based on simple majority.
Shortly after the declaration of the results, the hall erupted with shout of ‘Allahu Akbar (God is great) as the PDP supporters roared in jubilation.
In his victory speech, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal assured of running an all inclusive government that would move the Sokoto State to purposeful heights with opportunities for all.
Tambuwal, who was shortly announced winner of governorship elections after defeating his opponent, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu by a slim margin in tough contested polls, made the remark when a tumultuous crowd of jubilant supporters and well wishers thronged Government House in celebration of his victory.
The governor, who is re-elected for the second term of another four years, expressed appreciation to the entire people of the state, especially PDP members for the feat he described as the will of God.
“I am thanking Allah for what we are witnessing today in our political journey that is blessed with victory. It is not my making nor any one’s but something that has been destined by Allah. It is the collective efforts of Sokoto State people.”
Tambuwal, however, appealed to the jubilant supporters mostly youths to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner while expressing their joy for the victory.
Similarly, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed has won the supplementary governorship election held last Saturday in parts of the state.
The rerun elections were held in 36 polling units in 29 wards across 15 local government areas of Bauchi State.
The results from the 15 LGAs declared by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, showed that PDP’s Senator Bala Mohammed polled 6, 376 votes while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar got 5, 117 votes.
According to the results, Bala led Abubakar with a difference of 1, 259 votes to emerge the winner of the supplementary election.
Before the declaration of the governorship election as inconclusive by Prof. Kyari Mohammed, in the early hours of Monday, 11th March, 2019, the PDP candidate led the incumbent governor with 4, 059 votes.
According to the Returning Officer, Senator Bala Mohammed got 469, 512 votes to lead Governor Mohammed Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress, who got 465, 453 votes.
Our correspondent reports that Prof. Kyari Mohammed had earlier cancelled the entire votes of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, which stands at 139, 240.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Kyari Mohammed, said: “As you well know, I cannot make a return because I understand that the case of Tafawa Balewa LGA is in court.”
The Federal High Court, Abuja, will deliver a final judgment on the results of Tafawa Balewa, today.
In his post-election speech, the governor-elect, Bala Mohammed, promised to bring back good governance denied the people.
Muhammed made the promise during a press conference in Bauchi, yesterday, shortly after the announcement of the supplementary poll results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Today is a very auspicious day for us in Bauchi and on behalf of the party, I wish to express gratitude and appreciation to God almighty.
“The collation of the supplementary poll that has just been concluded by INEC is a work of God and we owe it to him.
Similarly, the Benue State governorship Collation/Returning Officer, Mr. Sabastine Maimako, yesterday, declared the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Samuel Ortom, as the winner of the March 9 governorship election.
He said Ortom, who is the incumbent governor, polled 434,473 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, candidate of the All Progressives Congress who scored 345,155 votes.
Maimako said the total registered votes were 2,471,894, total accredited voters were 858,947, while total valid votes stood at 830,954.
He sad total rejected votes were 15,268, while the margin of lead between the winner and his closest rival was 89,318 votes.
At the end of collation of that election held on March 11, the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Sabastine Maimako had declared the election inconclusive after Governor Ortom polled a total of 410,576 votes ahead of Jime who got 329,022 votes.
However, Maimako declared that the lead margin of 81,554 in favour of the PDP candidate was less than 121,019 being the figure of registered voters in the 204 Polling Units, PUs, across the state where elections were either cancelled of did not hold.
A rerun was fixed on March 23 by INEC which held in 22 out of 23 local government areas of the state.
Declaring Ortom winner of the race, Maimako said, “Haven satisfied the law, I hereby declare Governor Samuel Ortom winner of the election.”
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the party’s governorship candidate in Sokoto election, Governor. Aminu Tambuwal, after he was announced the winner of the re-run election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday.
On his verified Twitter handle, Atiku also hailed the decision of the people of Sokoto.
He said: “I congratulate His Excellency, Governor Aminu Tambuwal on his re-election and I assure the good people of Sokoto State that they have made the right decision that will see them continue on the path to peace, progress and prosperity. -AA #SokotoDecides”
Abubakar also reacted to results of Benue governorship elections, and commended Benue residents for re-electing Ortom.
Atiku on his Twitter page wrote: “The people of Benue State have not only made their choice, but most importantly, they have made the right choice.
“Congratulations @GovSamuelOrtom on your successful re-election.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has reacted to results of Benue and Sokoto States supplementary governorship elections.
Reacting, Dogara congratulated the Governors for emerging victorious.
He tweeted, “I congratulate @AWTambuwal and @samuelortom on their victories at the supplementary elections.
“Your victories were true reflections of the wishes of the people & confirmation of their love and appreciation of your respective administrations’ successes.”
Also, the Senator-elect for Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, congratulated Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party on his victory at the just-concluded governorship election in the state.
Moro described Ortom’s emergence as victory for the good people of Benue State who still believe in good governance.
He described the re-election of Ortom as the “best political development for Benue State at the moment”, asserting that there could not have been a better choice at this defining moment.
The Senator-elect in a statement he personally signed, yesterday evening, said the people of Benue State have spoken through the ballot box, and it is time to put the election behind us and forge ahead in the task of further developing the food basket state.
Moro, while thanking the people of Benue State for standing with Ortom against odds, assured the governor-elect of his personal and constituents’ cooperation and support in the task of building a greater and virile food basket state.
He said, “Indeed, this is a hard, long tortuous struggle for victory for the people of Benue State.
“No doubt, the good people of Benue State have spoken through the ballot box, and it is time to forge ahead in the task of further developing the food basket state.
“Against all odds, the electorate has spoken loud and clear, and democracy has won again.
“I urge everyone who contested the seat with Governor Ortom to be gallant in defeat and work with him as he strives to tend the welfare, expectations and aspirations of the people.
“I thank the Peoples Democratic Party in the state and Nigeria for their relentless efforts in making sure that the party retained the state.
“I assure the governor-elect of my personal cooperation and that of my constituents in his new government.
“We shall work closely to take the state to a greater height and ensure that the mandate trusted on him by the people yields positive results for a better tomorrow.”
On the flip side, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent governor of Plateau State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Simon Lalong winner of the 2019 governorship election.
The total results were declared at exactly 4am, yesterday at the end of the collation of results which lasted between 9pm on Saturday night through the early hours of Sunday.
The governor was declared the winner by the Returning Officer, Prof Richard Anande Kimbir, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.
Lalong emerged winner in the March 9 election, and also emerged winner in the March 23 supplementary election.
By the total results, Governor Simon Lalong defeated his major rival, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gen Jeremiah Useni (rtd).
Lalong polled a total of 595, 582 votes to defeat Useni, who scored 546, 813 votes.
Results for the nine LGAs that took part in the supplementary poll, including Langtang South, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos North, Kanam, Mangu, Shendam and Pankshin showed that Lalong scored 12,327 new votes, while Useni, earned 8,487.
In his remarks after he had been declared winner, yesterday, Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said his administration will work with opposition political parties and every stakeholders for the development and prosperity of Plateau people.
He noted that he will not harass, witch-hunt or intimidate his opponent, but will extend a hand of friendship to consolidate on the existing peace in the state.
But the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Jeremiah Useni, has rejected the results of the governorship polls conducted in the state on March 9 and 23, 2019 in which the candidate of the All Progressives Congress and incumbent governor of the state, Simon Lalong, emerged victorious.
The PDP candidate’s rejection of the poll results came a few hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Lalong winner of the election, yesterday
Useni, who addressed a press conference in Jos, yesterday, rejected the announcement, describing it as “an injustice and a temporary setback.”
According to him, the results of the governorship election as announced by INEC did not reflect the voting pattern of the people whom he claimed voted for him “massively” at the poll.
The PDP candidate said that he and his party had decided to head to the tribunal to reclaim the mandate freely given to them by the people
He said, “My team and I have gone through both the official results released by INEC and the documents submitted by our own field staff.
“We have every reason to believe that justice has not been done to our people in this election because there was massive rigging and electoral shortcomings.
“After due consultation, I hereby state that the results announced by INEC is not acceptable to us. Consequently, we have requested our legal team to activate all the due processes to reclaim our cherished mandate at the tribunal and by the grace of God, we will overturn and recover the people’s mandate”
The PDP candidate thanked party members, stakeholders and supporters for their commitment, hard work and sacrifices throughout the election period and urged them to remain united and focused on the struggle until “the restoration agenda for the soul of Plateau State is achieved.”
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has won the rerun election with 45,876 votes.
Declaring the result, yesterday, the state INEC Returning Officer, Prof Bello B. Shehu said Ganduje of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 45,876 votes while Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 10,239 votes.
Shehu said 28 local governments were affected by the rerun poll with total registered voters of 131,073.
He said out of the figures, only 57,777 voters were accredited, adding that the total valid votes during the rerun poll stood at 56,407, rejected votes 1,100 and votes cast 57,507.
He said that Ganduje won with a margin of margin of 8,982 votes after the collation of figures for the supplementary elections held on March 23, 2019.
The results for the LGAs in the supplementary elections were declared, yesterday evening.
He said that for Kibiya LGA, the PDP candidate, Abba Yusuf polled 228 votes, while the APC polled 371 votes.
But in a swift reaction, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed not to sign the results of the just concluded Gubernatorial Re-run Election before the official declaration by the INEC collation officer Prof. Bello Shehu in Kano.
Speaking after the collation, acting Chairman of the party, Alh Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi lamented that the results were doctored, stating that no election was conducted on the 23rd of March, 2019 in the state.
Also, a member representing Dala Federal Constituency and one of the party co-agent, Hon Ali sani Madakin Gini observed that the embattled Ward (Gama) in Nassarawa local government has witnessed a number violence and alleged that thugs denied their members right to vote.
Responding to the allegations Senator representing Kano North Federal Constituency under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) Senator Barau Jibrin called on the aggrieved party to seek redress at the tribunal.
According to him, “The collation started from Ward to the local government level and it’s from there that all complaints are to be made, not at the state collation centre after all agents has assent the results”.
Earlier, the Kano State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the cancellation of the March 23 supplementary election in the state.
The letter titled: “Request for the cancellation of Kano gubernatorial Rerun Election as a Result of the invasion of the State by Hired Political Thugs by the Ruling APC and Kano State Government,” was dated March 23, 2019, and addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state.
The letter, which was signed by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party, Engineer Rabiu Sulieman Bichi, recalled that sequel to their previous letter cautioning against the possibility of creating mayhem through the deployment of thugs in all the affected areas of the rerun election, they were formally making a request for the cancellation of the exercise in the state.
The PDP hinged its request letter on the grounds of “massive invasion of political thugs into the state who are believed to have been hired by the APC and the Kano State Government.
“We are reliably informed that the ruling APC imported thousands of thugs from neighbouring states of Jigawa, Plateau, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara, and Niger Republic, in addition to the ones generated locally from within the state”, it stated in the letter.
The party added that the political thugs who invaded the 208 polling units across the state, denied the PDP agents access to perform their duty as stipulated in the Electoral Act.
The PDP regretted that the police, on the orders of the DIG Anthony Michael, “has been seen aiding and abating electoral offences such as ballot box snatching, multiple voting and casting of votes with a third-party PVCs.
“It is important to note that in all the 28 local governments where the rerun is taking place, the aforementioned electoral offences have been witnessed by the public, including the media and the international observers”, the party said in a letter whose copy was also sent to the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of Department of State Security.
“It is pertinent to state that agents of the Kano State Government are in possession of elections sensitive materials which they have already prepared, and in all cases, got signed for the purpose of swapping the actual result of the rerun election,” the party concluded.
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.