The Delta State Government declared, yesterday, it was “completely unaware” of the car allegedly sent to Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as birthday gift.

Chief Clark’s political adviser, Chief Omonimini Obiuwevi had said, last Thursday, “some persons in the name of the Delta State government brought an unregistered Expedition new Ford Jeep into the compound of Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark in Asokoro, Abuja.  One of the persons later came to inform Chief Clark that the car was a birthday ‘gift’ from Governor Emmanuel Ewete Uduaghan of Delta State.

He said while Chief Clark expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, he declined the gift.

But in a reaction yesterday, the manager, communications to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr. Paul Odili, said: “What the government can confirm it did was a donation of 18 million Naira to the Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Foundation following a letter dated July 19, 2010, from them to the government soliciting support for the take-off of that foundation (see attached letter). Whether the foundation decided to buy a car for Chief Clark is entirely the decision of that body and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Government.

Chief Clark was obviously in a hurry to score points without realising that the alleged car did not come from the Delta State Government.  Perhaps, now that the faux pas has occurred, Chief Clark would take the time to investigate properly the source of the car, and not drag Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who has always treated him as a far, into a pointless controversy”.

Mr. Odili attached a letter purportedly from the Foundation which reads: “On behalf of the President, members of the board of trustees and governing council, I write to you, Sir, on the matter of the official launching inauguration of the board of trustees and governing council of The Edwin Clark Foundation.

The Edwin Kiagbodo Foundation was established on the 26th of February, 2009 and its official launching will take place in three venues: Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt on the 24th f August, 28th of September and 19th of November, 2010, respectively.
I have attached copy of the advance advertisement notice to this letter.

Most importantly, we solicit your assistance to the Foundation in the area of funding for the above events. I have also attached a budget to this letter.

We expect your usual positive response to this appeal and please be assured of our highest regard and esteem”.

The letter was signed by Dr. Michael Oberabor, executive secretary on behalf of The Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Foundation.