Clark’s shoes too big for me to fill – Jonathan

• Nigeria must urgently build on what he fought for – Kukah

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late Pa Edwin Clark as a man whose shoes are too big for him or anyone from the Ijaw ethnic nationality to fill.

He stated this on Wednesday night when a group led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri paid a condolence visit to the family of the elder statesman in honour of Pa Clark, who passed away at the age of 97.

Various dignitaries present spoke passionately about Clark’s immense contributions to Nigeria and the profound impact he had on the Ijaw community and beyond.

Jonathan said: “A friend in Benue State called me and asked me to take over the leadership, but I said the shoes he wore are too big for my feet to fit into.

“He had the courage, boldness, and could confront anybody even though he was from a minority group. He was not just a leader for the Ijaw nationality; he was a leader for Nigeria.

“When he was a federal commissioner, I was in primary school. You cannot ask me to fit into his shoes.

“He spoke to presidents, he challenged them, he came out with fire and brimstone to challenge injustice,” he said.

Diri, on his part, said: “For us from his own ethnic nationality, the Ijaw ethnic nationality, there are shoes that will be difficult for anybody to fill. We all know the man, the character E. K. Clark. His last book was brutally frank—a man who tells you black is black and white is white. He gave leadership, and for us, it’s difficult to find someone who can step into those shoes. That is where we are now.”

He condoled with the immediate family, saying: “Our message to the biological family is that we feel the pains they feel, and we are sure he will be on the good side of the Lord. He died knowing God, so there’s nothing to fear.”

Diri assured that he would work with his counterparts from Rivers and Delta States to give him a befitting burial.

Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, said: “He meant a lot of things to different people. We will remember his passion and love for this country. All we can pray is that Nigeria develops a greater sense of urgency in realising the principles for which he lived and in which he died.”

Senator Seriake Dickson said: “We have lost an Iroko, father of fathers, mentor of mentors. His death has left a huge vacuum. Bayelsa must be kept safe for the Ijaw nation.”

The Amayanabo (King) of Twon-Brass, Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, described him as “brutally frank” in his approach to leadership and advocacy.

He praised Clark’s unwavering honesty and directness in addressing critical regional issues. He noted that Clark’s candour had been instrumental in fostering meaningful discussions aimed at resolving long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta.

Godspower Okoroma said: “We lost an icon; we lost a fighter. Yes, he died at 97, but still, we are not happy.”

He noted that the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, said: “To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion—bold, outspoken, and fearless. He stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity, and justice for the region.”