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In a deluge of tributes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as ex-Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others, have mourned the passing of an elder statesman and leader of the Ijaw Nation, Pa Edwin Clark who died at his Asokoro residence Monday night at the age of 97.
The death was announced Tuesday in Abuja by his son, Professor C. C Clark.
The Nigerian leaders described the demise of the former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as an irreparable loss to the nation.
…He fought for the people- Tinubu
In his tribute contained in a statement Tuesday in Abuja, President Tinubu described the late nonagenarian as an astute politician, a patriot who history will remember as one who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta.
“Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.
“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
“I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the statement said.
…Akpabio, Mark mourn
Also, Senate President Akpabio and one of his predecessors, Senator David Mark mourned Clark’s the passing.
In separate condolences, Akpabio, in a personally signed statement, described the death of Clark as a loss of the nation’s conscience.
He said: “Pa Clark’s demise is a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta, and all who cherish unity, fairness, and national progress.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, a renowned statesman, nationalist, and Ijaw leader. His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in the hearts of those who knew him. As a nation, we have lost a true patriot and a champion of justice.
“At 97 years old, Pa Clark stood as a bridge between generations—his life a testament to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Nigeria.”
In his own tribute, Senator Mark described the death of the Ijaw leader and Chief Ayo Adebanjo who died last Friday, as the passing of the last of the titans.
“Their demise marks the end of an era thus, creating a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
“Clark and Adebanjo are the last of the conscience of the nation, who tirelessly fought for a progressive Nigeria of equal opportunities for all.
“Both elder statesmen were united in their quest for an egalitarian society, free from oppression and marginalisation.
“Their exit is painful and regrettable, especially at this time when Nigeria needs men of good conscience and valour to address the numerous challenges.” he said.
…Obasanjo, Atiku too
In a similar condolence message, former President Obasanjo said Clark paid his dues to both the nation and the former Midwestern State at different times.
He said: “I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership is fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial state in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Chief Clark had an eventful service to the nation as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State, at various times between 1968 and 1974, and his stint as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975 cannot go unrecognised. I remember him as a close colleague in the Cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon.”
“Over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing States of the country. As one of the foremost leaders of not only the Ijaw people but the South-South zone as a whole, he, until his death, exhorted his people on the imperative of peace and stability in the region.
“He acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
“Even at his prime age, Chief Clark never rested on his oars to continue to contribute to national development as a committed nationalist. I recall some time in 2021, he, for the greater good of the nation, volunteered to be part of the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN) which was convened by me along with His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and General Abdusalami Abubakar to look, at the time, into the pressing issues of national unity, security, peace, integration, economic revitalization and development, women and youth welfare and general progress.
“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Chief Clark a peaceful rest and the Clark family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the former president added in a statement Tuesday.
In yet another tribute, former Vice President Abubakar described Clark’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, coming after Adebanjo’s demise.
“Chief Edwin Clark, 97, the Ebi-Ebekekere, Owei of Western Ijaw in Delta State, was a Trojan war horse in the battlefields for independence. Above all, he was a diehard proponent of nation-building, true federalism, equity, and good governance.
“Undoubtedly, he was a veteran freedom fighter, educationist, philanthropist, legal luminary, and astute administrator who mentored many nationalists and patriots like us.
“Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness, especially for the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country. Sadly, that lofty dream seemed to have dimmed before his eyes.
“But, we, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and continue the drive for a better Nigeria.
“Between 1953 and 1983, Clark paid his dues from the ebb of the ladder at the local government level up to becoming a State Commissioner and even a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic.
“I sincerely share in the grieving mood of his nuclear and extended families, particularly PANDEF, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in its entirety.
“Rest on Pa Clark, the loud voice of reason against foul political practices. You were an architect of rule of law, justice, and fair play. May God receive your gentle soul and allow you to blissfully rest in eternity,” he said.
…NGF mourns the duo
Also mourning the duo of Clark and Adebanjo, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) commiserated with President Tinubu and stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
According to the governors, “the deaths of the nonagenarians are a huge depletion in the ranks of outstanding voices who were never afraid to offer their views on issues of national importance.”
In a statement Tuesday by the NGF chairman and Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Forum recalled that the duo played critical roles in the evolution of the country’s democracy, constitutional development, and the discourse around its federal system vis-a-vis topical issues of resource control and the rights of ethnic minorities.
“The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to the people and governments of South-West and South-South, especially Ogun and Delta States, and to the families of the statesmen on these sad developments.
“The Forum prays for the repose of their souls, saying their legacies will endure for generations yet unborn”, the statement added.
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