5 days ago
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Call him an ‘imitable icon’ or the ‘godfather of the Nigerian politics’, you may be adjudged correct. He had so been variously described in these parlance by many Nigerians.
Born on May 25, 1927, Chief Edwin Clark conspicuously featured in the Nigerian politics for almost seven decades, playing critical roles and canvassing for better living conditions for his region.
In his tribute to Chief Clark at 90 entitled “A Tribute To An Icon and A living legend”, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a lawyer and current Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General in Ondo state wrote: “To Say that Chief Senator (Dr.) Edwin Clark is an imitable icon, will be an understatement.
“He is not only a father of nations, he is also an enigma of detribalised intercontinental leadership”.
Ajulo continued: “His affection for Nigeria’s development dates back to his early 20s, when he served his primary constituency, Burrutu of the the Mid-Western Region as a headmaster and community development officer, giving significant contributions to the development of education and the mobilisation of the people for community development.
To the Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, Chief Clark was a nationalist, a realist, and a bridge builder who stood firm in his belief for one united, equitable and prosperous Nigeria”.
Dantalle said: “Clark saw national issues and said them raw as they appeared, irrespective of whose ox was gored. He is indeed, an Elder statesman worthy of emulation…”, Dantalle said.
In his own tribute to Dr EK Clark, the Secretary of the Coalition for United Political Parties (CUPP), High Chief Peter Ameh wrote: “As a renowned leader and advocate for equity and inclusion, Clark left an indelible mark on the country’s history. His unwavering commitment to national participation, diversity, and truth inspired generations of Nigerians.”
Pointblanknews.com in its editorial of 13th October 2009 said: “Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Officer of Order of Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of Order of Niger (CON) at present is the capo di tuti of Nigerian polity, the ultimate Godfather that is hated and loved by all.”
…Education
He attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teachers Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.
Clark, a lawyer and a member of Inner Temple in London, was what Maitama Sule, Chiroma and Shagari combined were to the North.
Clark has no parallel in the South South region; he is simply referred to as the leader towering above the likes of Tony Annenih, Michael Akhighe, John Oyegun, Samuel Ogbemudia, and Alabo Graham Douglas among others.
…Offices occupied
He worked briefly as a school teacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.
Chief Clark served in various local, regional and national capacities, including being a Commissioner for Education, Finance and Establishment in the old Bendel State in the 70s, Federal Commissioner for Information during the civil war till 1975 when General Gowon’s regime was terminated.
In 1983, he served as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1983 and till date as the indisputable leader of the Ijaw Nation among others.
He was a delegate in many of the national conferences, prominent among them were the 2005 and 2014 national conferences where he led the clamour for increased oil derivation for the South South region.
The elder statesman is a father to all, and an alumnus of the Holborn College of Law, London. He was called to the Bar in England as a member of the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple and as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria over 50 years ago!
Chief Clark was not only a global asset in public leadership, but a leader beyond boarders and a nationalist per excellence.
…Call for justice, fairness
Not only is Clark the undisputed living father of the Ijaw nation and a unifying figure for all Ijaws at home and in the diaspora, he stood for hope, fairness, faith, progress, justice and equity, which was while he became the Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
As the PANDEF leader, Clark became a strong advocate for power shift to the South after at the twilight of the Buhari administration.
His clamour for Southern Presidency in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election pitched him against his brother, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
He was vehement in condemning the former Delta state governor who accepted to become the running mate of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar against the Asaba accord reached by the governors of Southern Nigeria before the 2023 general elections.
High Chief Clark’s impact on Nigerian politics is multifaceted. As a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent leader in the Niger Delta region, he played a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape
…Champion of Niger Delta cause
One of his notable contributions was his advocacy for the rights and interests of the Niger Delta region. He was a vocal critic of the federal government’s handling of the region’s resources and environmental issues. His efforts helped raise awareness about the plight of the region and its people.
Clark was also a strong advocate for national unity and stability. He worked tirelessly to promote dialogue and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. His commitment to these values earned him respect and admiration across the country.
In addition, Clark was a key player in the country’s democratic struggle, and also a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) who played a crucial role in the fight against military rule.
Successive presidents and governors respected him while other government functionaries revered him.
He fought former Rivers state Governor Odili and James Ibori of Delta state to ensure that his kinsman, Jonathan Goodluck became the No. 2 man in Nigeria. He was so feared that despite his attack against Ibori, the former governor refused to join issues or abuse Clark but picked on Obasanjo and Ribadu.
The elder statesman cut the exact picture of godfather. His residences, either in Lagos, Kiagbodo or Abuja are Mecca of sought for politicians, contractors, militants, jurists, diplomats and civil servants etc.
What set Clark apart cannot be explained, but give it to him, he has a good pedigree. His brothers distinguished themselves, Prof. J. P. Clark is respected in literary world, Ambassador B. A. Clark rose to the pinnacle of his career as the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was Nigeria Permanent Representative to the United Nations, his other brother also rose and retired as a General in the Nigerian Army.
There was argument on the several claims that Clark was the sponsor and head of the Niger Delta militants that besieged the country, especially in the Nigeria Delta before President Umar Musa Yar’Adua implemented the amnesty programme that returned peace to the region.
Believers in this claim said the recent visit to leader of the Ijaw nation by the entire 16 militant leaders, led by High Chief Government Ekpemepolo (aka) Tompolo, was a confirmation of the claim.
Others in company of Tompolo during the visit were Chief Ateke Tom, Mr Ebikabowei Ben (aka) Boyloaf, Franklin Duduku, Bonny Gawei, Africa Ukparafa, Farah Dagogo, Soboma George, Erefimudei Olotu, Ezekiel Akpabewei, Keneth Dan Opsingi, Bibopre Ajube, Henry Egbema, Omo Tonweerigha, Solomon Indigbana and Selky Kile Torugwedi.
The ex-militants were in company of their lawyers and body guards for the first time and converged on Clark’s mansion at Asokoro to pay homage before proceeding to Aso Rock Villa to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
English (US) ·