Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on Wednesday, disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan meant well for the country, but the will power to fight corruption was not there, adding that “being a gentleman is not enough to govern this country”
The dyed in the wool Jonathan supporter also said he was quitting partisan politics but would play the role of an elder statesman, who would be a father to all.
Clark pledged his support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, urging Nigerians to stop talking about sectional or selective justice in the fight against corruption.
“It is not everything done by the opponent that is wrong. I will therefore support the policies that are for the good of the country because Nigeria belongs to all of us.
“We are all to support him, particularly in his determination to eradicate corruption in Nigeria. For eight years (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo legalised corruption. Yet, he’s the one talking about corruption. If your brother is arrested, did he give you money? If your sister was arrested for corruption, did she give you money?
“Jonathan didn’t have the political will-power to fight corruption. He’s too a gentleman. Drivers of yesterday are living in palatial buildings now under his government. In advanced countries, when you are living above your means, people query you. That’s not so in Nigeria. Former governors and lawmakers are now asking for immunity.
“Jonathan meant well for this country, but the will power to fight corruption was not there.
“In an ideal society, when a man who earns 20,000 as his monthly salary and all of a sudden he acquires something that is worth N100,000, he should be questioned, but here in Nigeria, immunity has covered those that should be questioned.”
He also accused late President Umaru Yar’Adua of being a friend to jailed former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori.
According to Clark, “Yar’Adua became a friend to Ibori, who is very corrupt; and because of this, he could not fight corruption.”
