Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Elder statesman, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark‘s passing at 97 has drawn an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ex-Niger Delta agitator Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Clark, until his demise was the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, who served the nation as Federal Commissioner for Information in the First Republic and later as a Senator in the Second Republic, died last Monday at the age of 97.
Vice President Kashim Shettima in his condolence message said the passing of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, was a profound loss to Nigeria, likening his death to the giant Iroko tree falling in the forest.
VP Shettima said the renowned nationalist and Ijaw national leader had a significant influence on Nigeria’s national discourse spanning over six decades, particularly on issues of resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta region.
“When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” he said.
The Vice President paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Clark, recalling his advocacy for restructuring, which he said often put him at odds with various administrations but earned him respect across political divides.
“Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency.
“The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller whose interventions consistently redirected our national conversation toward justice and inclusivity,” he stated.
Similarly, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the death of the Ijaw leader as “heart-wrenching,” emphasizing that despite his age, Pa Clark remained a conscience for leaders in government and a pillar for the Niger Delta.
“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 a beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government. He did not cease providing wise counsel in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria,” Fubara said.
The governor hailed Clark’s fearless advocacy for the Niger Delta and minority rights, noting his indelible contributions to national unity and policy reforms.
“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle Belt Leaders Forum and as leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum. I pray the Almighty God grants the repose of his soul and rewards his courageous services to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.”
Also mourning the elder statesman, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, described Clark’s death as a “rude shock,” saying Nigeria has lost a fearless champion for justice.
“Even though he was old, he was full of life and energy. I was surprised to hear of his passing this morning. Senator Clark was a strong, fearless, and irrepressible individual who spoke truth to power. He was a voice for the voiceless and a father for the fatherless. We will miss him dearly,” Tompolo stated.
Tompolo, who leads Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, emphasized that Clark’s absence leaves a vacuum in Nigeria’s political structure and the struggle for regional justice.
“Nigeria lost its unique and potent voice in the South-South geopolitical zone. He was a gift from God to this country and a democratic and socio-economic crusader.”
In its tribute, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, described Clark as a true nationalist and an unwavering advocate for the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s development.
“For us in the NDDC, Pa Clark was an outstanding leader not just for the South-South geopolitical zone and the Niger Delta but for Nigeria and the black race. His impactful life is etched in bold relief in various sectors of national life,” said NDDC Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie.
The NDDC acknowledged Clark’s pivotal role in education, recalling his contribution to the establishment of the University of Benin while serving as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-West Region.
“As Commissioner for Education, Chief Clark was instrumental in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin. He was passionate about education and nation-building.”
The statement also hailed Clark’s courage in advocating for Nigeria’s restructuring, peace, and good governance.
“Pa Clark was a courageous fighter until his last breath, galvanizing the Southern and Middle Belt peoples to restructure the Nigerian polity and preach peace.”
Pa Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner of Information and founder of Edwin Clark University, was a vocal advocate for the Niger Delta, a staunch nationalist, and an elder statesman whose influence shaped Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
