Tinubu, Ibori, Jonathan, Atiku, Northern, Southern Govs Mourn Clark

President Bola Tinubu has de­scribed the death of former Feder­al Commissioner of Information and respected leader of the Pan-Ni­ger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, as deeply saddening.

A statement from the presiden­cy noted that Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Advis­er to the President on Information & Strategy, on Tuesday, described Clark as a man who led an illustri­ous life marked by dedicated ser­vice, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.

He was also a passionate advo­cate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

On behalf of the Federal Gov­ernment, the president extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the govern­ment of Delta State.

Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the president said Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.

The president states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

‘’Chief Clark spoke for the Ni­ger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.

‘’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 president said.

Clark Was Not Just A Father Figure But A Peerless Icon, Says Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep sadness over the death of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbo­do Clark, who passed on to eternal glory on Monday.

Jonathan described the late nonagenarian as a father figure, peerless icon and a relentless cru­sader for justice who devoted his life to the betterment of the society.

In a condolence message to his immediate family, the former pres­ident also noted that the late Chief Clark was a bridge-builder, and a patriot, stressing that he inspired different generations of leaders including himself.

He wrote; “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the immediate family, friends, and associates of the revered elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who has passed on to eternal glory. Chief E.K. Clark was not just a father figure to me but a peerless icon of Nigeria’s political landscape, a voice of reason, and a relentless ad­vocate for justice, equity, and unity.

“His was a life of selfless ser­vice, unwavering courage, and an unyielding commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. His wisdom, foresight, and dedication to the principles of fairness and good governance inspired gener­ations of leaders, including myself.

“He was a man of integrity, a bridge-builder, and a patriot who devoted his life to the betterment of our society.

“I recall with deep gratitude his invaluable counsel and support during my tenure as president of Nigeria. His passion for the Niger Delta and his relentless pursuit of peace and progress, not only in the region but across the country, re­main indelible marks of his legacy. Chief Clark’s passing is not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation, as we have lost one of our most respected and influential leaders.”

The Exit Of True Federalist, Nationalist, Patriot– Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has mourned the death of Chief Edwin Clark, describing the demise of the elder statesman as the exit of a true federalist, na­tionalist and a patriot.

Atiku, in a statement on Tues­day, said, “Our nation was still mourning the demise of exempla­ry statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, 96, when the sad news of your passing away was brought to my attention.

“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.”

Edwin Clark, A Statesman Of Great Re­pute — Northern Governors

The Northern State Governors’ Forum has described the late elder statesman and Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PAN­DEF), Chief Edwin Clark, as a distinguished statesman of great repute.

“His commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great re­pute,” the Northern Governors’ Forum said while expressing

deep sorrow over the demise of Clark on Monday after a brief illness.

Chairman of the forum, made up of 19 state governors, and governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed sympathy in a condolence message issued to jour­nalists by Mr. Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House.

Yahaya described the former Federal Commissioner for Infor­mation as an upright and relentless advocate of fairness.

He said Clark’s contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse earned him admiration and respect.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo fami­ly, the government and people of Delta, the South-South region, and Nigeria as a whole.

“Chief Edwin Clark was an ad­vocate for the rights of the down­trodden and a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“His demise is a profound loss, not just to the South-South but to the entire country,” he said.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant his family, loved ones, the people of the South-South and Nigeria the strength to bear “this huge loss.”

Clark Passage Leaves A Profound Void, Says Ibori

Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Delta State governor, de­scribed the late PANDEF leader, Chief Edwin Clark, as an excep­tional leader and fearless fighter who never hesitated to speak the truth when it mattered most.

In a statement on his social media pages, Ibori said the late Clark, during his lifetime, exhibit­ed the true spirit of the Niger Delta, which are courage, determination and an unyielding commitment to justice.

“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (E. K. Clark) was a fearless fighter, a staunch federalist, and an excep­tionalleaderof ourtime,” Ibori said.

“He never hesitated to speak the truth when it mattered most, serving as a moral compass for the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nige­ria at large. In him burned the true spirit of the Niger Delta—courage, determination, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

“His leadership was a beacon of hope and resilience, and his pass­ing leaves a profound void. We will sorely miss his wisdom, guidance and unwavering voice. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the for­mer governor said.

Clark: We’veLostAnUnpretentiousFed­eralist — Gov Mbah

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sadness over the passing on of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as an un­pretentious federalist, who gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.

Mbah, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @ PNMbah, Tuesday, said Chief Ed­win Clark discharged his calling as a conscience of the nation, voice of reason, social crusader, and a champion of equity, justice, and true federalism.

“I received with rude shock the passing on of a revered states­man, Chief Edwin Clark. He was one man, whom you were never in doubt of where he stood on any national issue.

“He was a courageous leader and was not just bold and vocal, but also he was principled in his advocacy.

“He was a conscience of the na­tion, voice of reason, social crusad­er, champion of equity and justice, and an unpretentious federalist.

“He fought for democracy, good governance, and fiscal federalism until he breathed his last.

“This is, therefore, a grave loss, not only to his immediate family, Delta State, and the Niger Delta, but also to the nation as a whole,” he said.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late icon.

Clark’s Exit, Glorious Conclusion Of Monumental Chapter In Nigerian History —Southern Governors

Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria, yet a glorious con­clusion of a monumental chapter in Nigerian history.

Abiodun, who described the former Federal Commissioner for Information as one of the great­est leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and arguably the most engaging voice for the redressing of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples, said the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate marks an era that can never be forgotten.

In a statement issued in Abeo­kuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, Abiodun said whatever sorrow the exit of the foremost Ijaw leader springs has been tem­pered by the giant strides he left in various sectors of the Nigerian national life and the unimpeach­able accomplishments he achieved in about 70 years of distinguished national service.

He said: “The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a wa­tershed in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the strug­gles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence, and post-indepen­dence eras with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian histo­ry. He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of courage and progressivism that Nigeria has ever witnessed.

“The outpouring of emotions following his death, coming on the heels of the transition of a kindred spirit, the inimitable Pa Ayo Ade­banjo, indeed marks a moment that all Nigerians must be proud of.

“His activities during the pre-Independence period when he was elected as councillor for Bomadi in 1953 and during his stint with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), not forgetting his deeply intellectual posture as a member of the West African Students’ Union while a student at Holborn College, London, marks him out as a patriot without compare.

“From his indelible imprints in the 60s when he served as a member of an advisory commit­tee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, Da­vid Ejoor and as a cabinet member during the administration of Mili­tary Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and his appointment as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975 by the then Head of State, Gen­eral Yakubu Gowon, in 1975, Chief Clark demonstrated unwavering commitment to the Nigerian cause.

“As commissioner for educa­tion, Chief Clark was instrumen­tal to the establishment of the Mid-West College of Technology that later birthed the University of Benin. The ex-senator and founder of Edwin Clark University loved education with unblemished pas­sion.

“Despite his advancing years, Chief Clark readily and consistent­ly wrote letters to critical organs of the Nigerian state whenever he saw dangerous signals in the polity. He will be sorely missed.”

Sanwo-Olu Mourns Ijaw Leader, Edwin Clark

Lagos State governor, Mr. Ba­bajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of foremost national­ist and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

He described the death of Clark, a former Federal Commissioner of Information, who died on Monday at age 97, as the end of an era in Ni­geria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the gov­ernor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the government, and the people of the state, particular­ly the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family and Kiagbodo town, over the death of the elder statesman.

He said: “On behalf of my fam­ily, the government and the people of Lagos State, we mourned the passage of elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who passed on at 97 years.

“He was a foremost nationalist and a leading voice in the cam­paign for a better Nigeria as well as Niger Delta. He fought tirelessly for the emancipation of his people during his lifetime.

“Chief Edwin Clark, served his community, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria as a whole in different ca­pacities for about seven decades.

“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Edwin Clark. God will grant the deceased’s family and loved ones, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta region the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”