By Charles Igbo
Chief Robert Clarke, SAN, is 83 years old. But in the full view of his television audience, he passed a damning verdict on the life span of Nigeria.
Looking grave and, at that age, swearing by his father’s grave, Clarke says it is hard for him to guarantee a-six month life span to Nigeria. Meaning there will be no country called Nigeria in six months if care is not taken.
He also said there is civil war in the Eastern Region. In the past few weeks, the South-east has become the epicentre of violence, destruction and inexplicable killings.
Clarke spoke while answering a question during a Channels Television Political programme, Politics Today, Sunday evening, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
He spoke against the threat on Sunday, by the Directorate of State Security, DSS, warning those it said were doing everything to destabilise the country.
The DSS had said that while it appreciates freedom of speech, it would no longer stand by and watch highly placed people, including some religious leaders, incite Nigerians against the Government, and pushing for a change of Govrnment.
In the past few days, many highly placed Nigerians, and groups, had expressed concern over the state of the Nation. They include serving and former members of the National Assembly, Elder Statesmen and Religious Leaders, including those earlier thought to be close to the Presidency.
Asked what he thought about the DSS warning, an apparently pained Clarke gave his damning verdict.
He said: “The problem with Nigeria is that people who should know don’t know and don’t want to know, and do not know.
“The Security section is talking and talking. What are they doing? The situation in this country is so bad that I, Robert Clarke, I cannot guarantee Nigeria staying another six months.
“Because the problem is so overwhelming, and they were created by this same politicians.
“Since the 1999 Constitution came to be and this crop of Politicians, young boys then, who are swimming in Abacha’s loot and trying to form as many political for him, got into money and came into politics, Nigeria has never been the same.
“Nigeria is worse than it used to be in 1982. When Shagari was the President Nigeria was better than what it is today. And, what is the cause? It is bad leadership.
“Look at what is happening in the Eastern Region. It is no longer banditry. It is Civil War.
“Many things are happening, and if care is not taken, and I swear by my father’s grave, Nigeria will collapse in six months time.”
