When-Asari-Dokubo-Was-being-tried-for-Same-Offence,-I-leaderd-to-Meet-Obasanjo - Pa-Edwin-Clark

When Asari Dokubo Was being tried for Same Offence, I leaderd to Meet Obasanjo - Pa Edwin Clark

Dave Ikiedei Asei 
06/07/2024

Pa Edwin Clark, a prominent elder statesman and leader of the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), recently highlighted his efforts to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a detailed account shared with The Sun, Clark revealed that he had written to former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to release Kanu. Clark drew parallels between Kanu's situation and that of Asari Dokubo, a former militant leader, during President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.

Clark recounted the advocacy campaign he led to secure Dokubo's release. He and other regional leaders approached Obasanjo, seeking his intervention. However, Obasanjo emphasized that the matter was in court and advised them on legal steps they could take. Following this guidance, Clark and his colleagues applied for Dokubo's bail, utilizing property deeds as collateral. Their efforts were successful; Dokubo was released, and the case was eventually dropped.

Clark described the process, stating, "You’re aware that Asari Dokubo was being tried for the same offence. I gathered our leaders and led them to meet with President Obasanjo, who was in power at that time. He said, 'this matter is in court; I cannot interfere with the court.' We discussed it, and he advised us on what to do. Our leaders went to court, seeking bail first because Dokubo had been detained for too long. One of our leaders, Alabo Graham Douglas, who is now deceased, provided his title deed. That's how we were able to secure Asari Dokubo's release. With the President aware of our actions, the case was abandoned."

Clark's reflection on his past efforts underscores his continued commitment to advocating for justice and due process, drawing from his extensive experience in engaging with the highest levels of government to address sensitive legal and political issues


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