Tinubu Mourns Edwin Clark, Describes Passage As Sobering Loss
President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Chief Edwin Clark, Elder Statesman and respected leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as a sobering loss for the country.
The President expressed deep sadness by the passing of the 97-year-old former Federal Commissioner of Information and nationalist who was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
A release by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the late Chief Clark 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 extended his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
Further reflecting on the life of the late Statesman, the President described him as a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
He also stated that Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
The statement read thus; “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 prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
We’ve Lost An Unpretentious Federalist – Gov Mbah
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has described the late Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as an unpretentious federalist, who gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, the governor said on Tuesday that 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.
