Abuja — Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday said no amount of re-branding would stop the downward trend in the political life of Nigerians, except those in power change their attitude and put the nation first.

Clark also accused Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of stalling the growth of democracy by their actions. Speaking in Abuja, Clark said, "when one is 70 and above, he is at the departure lounge waiting for his boarding pass.

"At 82, I should be able to speak my mind on issues affecting the unity and stability of Nigeria. I should fight against injustice, unfairness, corruption, tribalism and any cankerworm that is eating deep into the body polity of Nigeria, which has dangerously affected our growth as a nation for about 49 years. 'Leadership of this country both in government and outside should rise up to speak courageously in defence of Nigeria.

No amount of re-branding as a government policy would stop the downward trend in our political life, except you the younger ones in power change your attitude and put Nigeria first in all your dealings."

Clark accused Yuguda of creating political instability in his state, while also accusing INEC of playing double standard over its refusal to declare the seat of members of the state House of Assembly who decamped from All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to PDP vacant, in line with section 109 (1) (G) of the 1999 Constitution, as there is no crisis within ANPP.