National Leader of
the Ijaw nation, Chief Edwin Clark, has said that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and himself, have not endorsed any gubernatorial candidate and warned those campaigning with their names to stop forthwith.
Clark, who spoke when one of the governorship aspirants in the state, Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, paid him a consultative visit in his Kiagbodo country home, said: “We all have a stake in the state; Chief Clark alone cannot make it. Let me tell you, I cannot endorse you, but I can give you my blessing, the governor alone cannot do it.
“Recently, I sat down with Dr. Uduaghan and I told him that he alone, me alone cannot make the governor of Delta State, and I told him that those who are using our names should stop same. This state is not meant for rascals or people who never went to school and want to be governor, it will not be allowed.
“I have said that I do not want to make any statement about the governorship position until Mr. President declares his intension to contest for a second term. So, if anybody comes to tell you that I, Chief Clark had held his hand to meet Mr. President, that is a lie.
“We all have a stake, when you come to me like this, I’m an old man, I will give you my blessings and tell you go and fight, meaning go and fight in the primaries.
“I have said it, when you are 70 years and above, you are at you departure lodge waiting for your boarding pass. That was what I told them at the national conference when they said Clark you are too old; I stood up and I told them I’m 87 years.
“I waited but God refused to give me my boarding pass, and they said, ‘why,’ I said because God told me, ‘you are one of those that caused the problems in Nigeria and see that they are resolved before you come to me for your boarding pass.’

Engr Owyie Abonye (middle) exchanging views with Florence Kalio during the inauguration of LGA coordinators of Eastern Delta People Association at Delta Hotel, Port Harcourt. With him is Mr Ibidumo Asawo. Photo: Nwiueh Donatus Ken.