THE IJAW National Congress (INC) worldwide, Northern Governors Forum, ex-governor Kayode Faymi of Ekiti State and Governor Peter Mba of Enugu state have all expressed deep sadness over the passage of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who died at the age of 97.
Chief Clark, who is the chairman of the INC Board of Trustees passed away on Monday night, according to a statement released by his family.
The INC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the demise of the elder statesman was shocking describing him as as a “fearless and impactful leader.”
Oyakemeagbegha said that Clark was a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.
He also said that the elder statesman, an advocate for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta region, the South-South, and other marginalised communities, would be deeply missed.
“It is with deep shock and sadness that the INC worldwide received the news of the passing of our leader and elder, Chief E.K Clark. As a fearless and impactful leader, Pa Clark was unapologetic in his pursuit of equality and justice.
“As the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), he galvanised the Niger Delta region to demand for their rights, sparking a national conversation on restructuring and true federalism.
“The Ijaw National Congress, where he was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees until his demise, will feel his absence profoundly, particularly during this critical period of advocating for total resource control and revisiting the Willink’s Commission Report,” he said.
The INC publicity secretary added that Clark’s legacy would continue to inspire generations yet unborn to fight for a just and equitable society.
Meanwhile, the Northern State Governors’ Forum expressed deep sorrow over Chief Clark’s death. The Chairman of the forum, made up of 19 state governors, and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed the forum’s 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, adding that 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 commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great repute. 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.”
Fayemi mourns Clark
On his part, former Ekiti State governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed sadness at the passing of Chief Clark, in a statement by the Head of his Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He described Pa Clark as a patriot, a towering figure in Nigerian history and a great statesman whose contributions to the development of Nigeria were immeasurable.
According to Fayemi, Pa Clark’s service to Nigeria spanned decades, from his early career in public service to his untiring commitment to national unity and development.
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape and true statesman.
“Pa Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, courage, and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria will endure forever.
“Pa Clark was not just a leader. He was a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria as a former senator, minister, and elder statesman.
“In all of these roles, he was pivotal in shaping our nation’s political and socio-economic fabric,” he said.
Fayemi added that the late Clark’s tenure as Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture during the military era showcased his dedication to national unity and ability to navigate complex challenges with wisdom and integrity.
“Pa Clark was a vocal advocate for justice, equity, and fairness. Particularly, he was a fearless voice for the Niger Delta and a staunch defender of the rights of marginalized communities.
“His contributions to the struggle for resource control and environmental justice remain indelible, and his leadership in the Niger Delta struggle will continue to inspire generations to come.
“It is also noteworthy that Pa Clark passed away a few days after the death of his longtime friend, political associate and ideological companion, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“Their lives were deeply intertwined by a commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of true federalism in Nigeria.
“Their passing has left a deep void in our socio-political fabric.
“On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to the Clark family, the people of the Niger Delta, and indeed all Nigerians. May his soul rest in peace,” he added. (NAN)
Nigeria has lost unpretentious federalist – Gov. Mbah
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has also expressed sadness over the passing on of Chief Clark, describing him as an unpretentious federalist.
The governor said that Clark gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.
Mbah, in a post on his verified X handle, @PNMbah, Tuesday, said Clark discharged his calling as a social crusader, and a champion of equity, justice, and true federalist.
“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 said.
According to him, the Ijaw leader 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. (NAN)
