President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to Clark’s family, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta people, and the Delta State government.
Tinubu acknowledged Clark’s remarkable contributions to the nation, stating, “He 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.”
Reflecting on Clark’s enduring legacy, Tinubu described him as a formidable figure in Nigerian politics, whose influence spanned nearly six decades.
He highlighted Clark’s courage in defending his beliefs, even in isolation, and commended his unwavering commitment to national unity.
“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.”
The President further acknowledged Clark’s formidable political presence, noting that his words carried great weight and conviction.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his 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.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Clark’s loved ones and all those mourning his loss.
Clark’s passing, which occurred on Monday, was officially announced on Tuesday by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark.
‘Fearless patriot’, Afenifere mourns Edwin Clark
The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has expressed deep shock over the passing of renowned Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
Clark, who led the Pan Niger Delta Forum, passed away on Monday in Abuja at the age of 97.
Reacting to the news, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, conveyed the group’s condolences, drawing a parallel between Clark and the late Afenifere stalwart, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“We received the news of the demise of Pa Edwin Clark with shock the same way we received the news of the demise of our leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo,” Ajayi stated.
He praised Clark’s unwavering dedication to Nigeria, emphasizing his depth, courage, and patriotism.
“Clark was very deep, and, of course, very fearless. He was a patriot par excellence. Nigeria meant so much to him.
“The issues that have to do with the people were of great concern to him. He will be greatly missed because he was a strong, influential voice,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of Afenifere’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Ajayi highlighted Clark’s lasting legacy and influence on the country’s political landscape.
“Pa Edwin Clark was an active player in the Nigerian political scene, even when he was very old he was still very active.
“He (Clark) never shied away from commenting or expressing his opinion on any issue of national importance.
“So, we, in Afenifere, will also miss him, just like we know that other people in the South-South, in particular, in Nigeria, as a whole, will miss him,” he said.
Clark, a former federal commissioner for information, was a respected lawyer, activist, and political figure. As a leading voice for the South-South and the Ijaw people, he played a crucial role in advocating for justice, equality, and human rights.
He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum using his influence to champion the rights of marginalized groups. His contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development will be remembered for generations to come.
‘A monumental loss’, Ogun gov mourns Edwin Clark
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pan Niger Delta Forum leader, Chief Edwin Clark, describing it as both a profound loss to Nigeria and the close of a significant chapter in the nation’s history.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Abiodun paid tribute to the late nationalist, highlighting his role as a formidable advocate for the Niger Delta and one of the most influential voices in the struggle against the region’s exploitation and marginalization.
He noted that while Clark’s passing is deeply felt, his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political, educational, and social landscape over nearly seven decades remain a source of inspiration.
“The passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed moment in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, independence, and post-independence eras, Chief Clark was a true embodiment of Nigerian history,” Abiodun said.
Reflecting on Clark’s legacy, Abiodun recalled his early involvement in politics, dating back to 1953 when he was elected a councillor for Bomadi, as well as his association with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons.
The late leader’s engagement with the West African Students’ Union while studying in London further demonstrated his commitment to national service.
“From his remarkable contributions in the 1960s, when he served as a member of an advisory committee to the Military Governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor, and later as a cabinet member in the administration of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia, to his appointment as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975 by then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Clark demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Nigerian cause,” the governor added.
Abiodun also acknowledged Clark’s lasting impact on education, citing his instrumental role in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology—now the University of Benin—as well as founding Edwin Clark University.
“Despite his advancing years, Chief Clark continued to write to key institutions of the Nigerian state whenever he identified pressing national issues. He will be sorely missed,” he said.
Describing Clark as a fearless advocate for restructuring, Abiodun lauded his efforts in mobilizing the Southern and Middle Belt regions towards national reforms while promoting peace.
“He was a courageous fighter until his last breath, mobilising the Southern and Middle Belt peoples for the restructuring of the Nigerian polity while always preaching peace. He was indeed a patriot of the finest calibre,” Abiodun stated.
