Fubara, Oborevwori, Dakuku, and NDDC’s Ogbuku mourn Edwin Clark

The announcement of the demise of Edwin Clark, onetime federal minister, has attracted reactions across the region, with some governors leading in regretting his death.

Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and some other leaders in Clark’s home state have led in the condolences. Gov Oborevwori described Clark’s death as “End of a great era” coming a few days after the death of Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo.

Oborevwori said; “Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades. Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervour.

“To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity and justice for the region.

Read also: Niger Delta leader, Edwin Clark, dies at 97 

“His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life.”

Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State who received huge support from Clarke in the political crisis in the state extended condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town in Delta State over the passing of their father, Clark at 97 years.

Gov Fubara said the tragic news of the death is rather heart-wrenching, given the impact of such a loss.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our beloved father and leader, Chief Edwin Clark. Despite his age, he remained active, serving as beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.

“He kept in touch with national issues and did not cease from providing elderly counsel to leaders at various levels, in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria.”

Samuel of Ogbu, CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), another son of the region who received huge support from the sage, said the late Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader was a rare gem for the people of the Niger Delta region. He said his unrelenting advocacy for the region and Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in our memories.

For us in the NDDC, he said, Clark was an outstanding leader not just for the South-South geopolitical zone and the Niger Delta but for Nigeria and the black race.

“We are consoled that the foremost Ijaw leader left an indelible footprint on the sands of time. His impactful life is etched in bold relief in various sectors of Nigerian national life, as are the enviable accomplishments he achieved in many years of distinguished national service.”

In his condolence message, Dakuku Peterside, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said with the demise of Clark, Nigeria has lost a ‘voice, patriot, statesman, defender and shining light.’

Peterside, who said he received the news with shock, stated that the demise of the onetime Federal Commissioner of Information has created a vacuum that would be too huge to fill.

“The late Clark is a true Nigerian hero who spoke truth to power and made a lot of sacrifices defending the rights and privileges of the minorities,” he stressed.

While stressing that the deceased represented courage and patriotism, the turnaround expert said he was a champion of the Niger Delta struggle and never wavered in ensuring that the people got a fair deal from government at all levels.

According to him, “My last encounter with him was to discuss his book. I made a speech on behalf of younger Ijaw leaders in Lagos, and he called to appreciate me for the kind words I said about him. He challenged my generation to carry on with the struggle.”

Clark served Nigeria in several capacities. He was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor. As a cabinet member during the administration of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and his days as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975, Clark was said to have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian cause.

As commissioner for education, Clark was instrumental in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin. The ex-Senator and founder of Edwin Clark University was very passionate about education.

He was a courageous fighter until his last breath, galvanising the Southern and Middle Belt peoples to restructure the Nigerian polity and preach peace.