Edwin Clark: Nigeria lost a patriot – Ohanaeze

The leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

In a statement made available to the media, the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described Clark as a patriot that was concerned about the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The statement read: “The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Senator John Azuta Mbata and the entire Igbo nation received with sadness the news of the death of the leader of Ijaw nation and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Dr. Senator Edwin Clark, in Abuja, on Monday 17th February 2025 at the age of 97. 

“The President-General extends his condolences to Pa Clark”s beloved family, PANDEF, Ijaw nation and Nigerians in general. 

“We recall the different roles played by Chief Clark as a nation builder, one of which was his service to the nation as Federal Commissioner of Information, amongst others. 

“He was a revered peace builder, an outstanding voice for regional cohesion and national unity, a strong pillar in the political development of the country, a quintessential patriot and seasoned nationalist, with undoubted commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the mantra of justice and equity

“In Chief Clark, Ndigbo have lost a true compatriot and reliable partner in the struggle for a nation where all ethnic nationalities deserve fair access to national wealth and meaningful participation in decision making. 

“The Greater Nigeria Conference which he co-founded with other Nigerian patriots in Abuja in 2022 to deliberate on the emergence of Nigerian President of South East extraction is not only his demonstration of love for Ndigbo but equally aligned with his unrelenting quest for fairness and  inclusiveness of all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

“Chief Clark’s priceless contribution to people oriented politics, authentic quest for national unity, good governance, equitable distribution of national resources,  inclusiveness in  democratic  leadership, coupled with transparency & accountability as the hallmark of  public trust are all eloquent testimonies to his outstanding character.”