Tinubu remembers Clark as courageous advocate for justice

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has described Pa Edwin Clark, who passed at the age of 97 as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the death of the prominent leader in Nigeria’s political landscape and former Federal Commissioner for Information.

Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Chief Clark’s life was dedicated to public service and advocacy for the Niger Delta region.

President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.

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

He stated: “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.

President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.

Clark’s career spanned decades, during which he held various significant positions, including serving as a councillor and cabinet member at both state and federal levels.

He was a staunch advocate for resource control and environmental justice, earning respect as a leading voice for the Ijaw nation and the broader Niger Delta community.