The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to name a national monument after the late Edwin Clark in order as part of immortalisation proposal by the National Assembly.
Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum and a former Federal Commissioner for Information and frontline South-South leader, died on Monday at the age of 97.
The lawmakers also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with his family and attend his burial and funeral rites, in recognition of his service as a former Senator.
The Senate, during plenary, observed a minute silence in his honour and eulogised the late leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
The resolutions followed a motion entitled, “The Demise of Senator (Chief) Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON (May 25, 1927 – February 17, 2025),” by Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC Senator-Delta South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators from the South-South geo-political zone.
Thomas highlighted Clark’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and his unwavering commitment to the rights of the Niger Delta people.
He said, “Pa Edwin Clark was a nationalist, a renowned lawyer, a seasoned administrator, a philanthropist, and an astute advocate for the Niger Delta region.
“Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected as a Councillor for Bomadi. He was actively involved with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and later became a key figure in the Midwestern Region’s fight for Nigerian unity during the 1966 constitutional conference.
“As Midwestern Commissioner for Education and Finance (1966-1975), he was instrumental in establishing the Midwest College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin.”
The Senator added, “In 1975, he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Information, working closely with Head of State General Yakubu Gowon.
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“He also served as a Senator during the Second Republic (1979-1983) and was a founding member of PANDEF, which advocates for the development and security of the Niger Delta.”
Senators in their various contributions commended Clark’s courage and lifelong advocacy for equity and justice.
Similarly, Ede Dafinone (APC Senator -Delta Central) described Clark as a man who was never afraid to speak truth to power.
He said, “The late Chief Edwin Clark was not just a political leader; he was a father. His willpower will be missed.”
Seriake Dickson (PDP Senator -Bayelsa West) called Clark an iconic leader who served meticulously, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) commended Clark’s unwavering support for the marginalised.
“We acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria, especially his fight for the underprivileged and his steadfast courage,” he said
Adamu Aliero (PDP Senator -Kebbi Central) described Clark as a nationalist and bridge-builder who promoted unity and brotherhood.
“He preached unity across ethnic lines, fostering peace and togetherness,” he noted.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) said, “We lost him at a time when his wise counsel was most needed. He was one of the formidable founding fathers of modern Nigeria.”
Abdul Ningi (PDP Sanator -Bauchi Central) added that Clark was an inspirational figure across ethnic divides.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged Clark’s relentless advocacy for the rights of minorities and his efforts to unite different regions of the country
He said, “His voice resonated above the age of 90. Whenever he spoke, you could hear the passion in his words about Nigeria.”
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