PDP, APC Mourn Edwin Clark

. True Defender Of The People- PDP

. Leading Advocate For Socioeconomic Emancipation – APC

ABUJA – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday joined other Nigerians to mourn the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark.

While PDP described him as a true defender of the people, APC, on its part, described him as a cerebral activist, patriot and a leading advocate for the socio-economic emancipation.

Describing his death as a national loss, PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said that the former Federal Commissioner of Information, was a foremost crusader of social justice in Nigeria and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

“Chief Edwin Clark was a very bold lawyer, forthright politician, educationist and dependable leader who stood for the right and wellbeing of the people and fought as an unrelenting advocate for justice, equity and fairness in the country.

“He was an outstanding voice in the demand for true federalism, resource control, openness in governance and prudent management of the country’s resources which are key elements for the much-desired mutual respect, trust, unity, stability, peaceful co-existence and rapid development in a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria, where every section is enabled to contribute its quota with emphasis on the principle of derivation.

“Through the years as an independence agitator, Councillor, student activist, member of the nationalist National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), Midwestern Commissioner of Education and later, Finance, national executive member of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Federal Commissioner of Information and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Clark remained at the forefront of various national reforms, where he demonstrated that the essence of leadership is in the pursuit of the good of others.

“Our Party acknowledges Chief Clark’s advisory roles to the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government which contributed immensely to the success of that administration in its delivery of unprecedented socio-economic, infrastructural development, employment, business opportunities resulting in better living standard for Nigerians,” PDP said.

The party further noted that Chief Clark’s death was a huge national loss as he passed on at a time the nation and humanity needed his wise counsel and firm voice of direction the most.

“Though our Party mourn, we celebrate Chief Clark as a great Nigerian whose legacies would remain indelible and continue to inspire generations to come,” the party said.

PDP commiserated with the Clark family, the Government and people of Delta State, the entire Niger Delta region and prays to God to grant Chief Clark eternal rest and to his family and loved ones, the fortitude to bear this great loss.

Grieving over the death of Clark, APC, in a statement by its spokesman, Felix Morka, further described him as a man with respect for human environmental rights of the people of South-South, especially the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

“The vocal Ijaw leader served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971 before becoming a Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State in 1972. He was elevated to the national level, following his appointment as Commissioner for Information in 1975. Subsequently, he was elected and served as a Senator in the Second Republic.

“For a man of towering legacies and remarkable contributions to nation-building, Pa Clark’s death creates a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. He will be sorely missed.

“We extend our condolences to his immediate family, friends, the Ijaw nation and the government and good people of Delta state over this colossal loss. We pray for succour for all at this difficult time.

“May the soul of the deceased patriot find eternal rest. Amen,” APC said.