Three political giants in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra state Governor Peter Obi, among other Nigerians, have respectively expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark at 97.
They were particularly grieved for the loss of his vocal voice for justice, equity and fair play. The news of Clark’s death broke Tuesday morning.
According to President Tinubu, the former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),
“led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said: “President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
“The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.
”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.
”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President says.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar recalled that the nation was still mourning the demise of exemplary statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, 96, when the sad news of Chief Clark’s passing away was brought to his attention.
He said: “Chief Edwin Clark, 97, the Ebi-Ebekekere, Owei of Western Ijaw in Delta State, was a Trojan war horse in the battlefields for independence. Above all, he was a diehard proponent of nation-building, true federalism, equity, and good governance.
“Undoubtedly, he was a veteran freedom fighter, educationist, philanthropist, legal luminary, and astute administrator who mentored many nationalists and patriots like us.
“Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness, especially for the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country. Sadly, that lofty dream seemed to have dimmed before his eyes.
“But, we, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and continue the drive for a better Nigeria.
“Between 1953 and 1983, Clark paid his dues from the ebb of the ladder at the local government level up to becoming a State Commissioner and even a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic.
“I sincerely share in the grieving mood of his nuclear and extended families, particularly PANDEF, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in its entirety.
“Rest on Pa Clark, the loud voice of reason against foul political practices. You were an architect of rule of law, justice, and fairplay.”
Similarly, Peter Obi said: “Still in the mourning mood of the death of our revered father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, today, I received another rude shock of the death of another respected elder statesman and revered father figure, Chief Edwin Clark.
“Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and remained in the vanguard of the struggle for peace, justice, equity, and fairness in the nation.
“He remained vehemently vocal in his demand for good governance in the nation.
“He was a true patriot whose desire for a better nation manifested in his immeasurable contributions to the nation.
“I will always cherish his support for my Presidential Campaign.
“His bold endorsement of my presidential journey highlights his passionate desire for a New Nigeria that promotes peace, progress, productivity, equity, and fairness.
“Chief Clark will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, truth, resilience,, and patriotism.
“His death remains a profound loss to the nation.
“I extend my condolences to the entire Ijaw Kingdom, the government, and the people of Delta State for this loss.”
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