Hours after his family confirmed the passing of Elder Statesman and Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, it has been a deluge of commiserations from the President, Bola Tinubu, heavy weight politicians and the ordinary man on the streets of Delta State.
Former Senate President David Mark said Clark, just like Afenifere chieftain who died last week, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, may not have seen the Nigeria of his dreams; but that both men have laid a solid foundation for it.
An official statement by Prof. C. C. Clark, on behalf of the family and Mr. Penawei Clark on behalf of his children, reads: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.”
He was a lawyer, an administrator, Ijaw National Leader, a nationalist, a freedom fighter, leader, South-South Peoples Assembly, leader, Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, and leader, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.
He was Commissioner for Education, Mid-Western Region, 1968-71; Commissioner for Finance and Establishment, defunct Bendel State, 1972-75; Federal Commissioner for Information, 1975 under Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; and a Senator, 1979-83.
He was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, attending primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College.
Clark after a brief stint as a school teacher, travelled abroad to earn a law degree.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described his passing as the exit of a true federalist, nationalist and patriot
His words in a state: “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.”
David Mark further lamented over the demise of two elder statesmen and patriots: former Federal Commissioner for Information, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“Their demise marks the end of an era thus, creating a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape,” Mark stated.
Senator Mark described Clark and Adebanjo as 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 marginalization.”
Senator Mark added that their exit is painful and regrettable, especially at this time when Nigeria needs men of good conscience and valour to address the numerous challenges.
Senator Mark therefore urged the President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government, to immortalize Clark and Adebanjo for their selfless services and contributions to Nigeria.
