In a deluge of tributes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, in addition to ex-Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others, have mourned the passing of an elder statesman and chief of the Ijaw Nation, Pa Edwin Clark who died at his Asokoro residence Monday night time on the age of 97.
The demise was introduced Tuesday in Abuja by his son, Professor C. C Clark.
The Nigerian leaders described the demise of the previous federal commissioner of knowledge and revered chief of the Pan-Niger Delta Discussion board (PANDEF), as an irreparable loss to the nation.
…He fought for the people- Tinubu
In his tribute contained in a press release Tuesday in Abuja, President Tinubu described the late nonagenarian as an astute politician, a patriot who historical past will keep in mind as one who fought gallantly for the rights of the individuals of the Niger Delta.
“Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and till his final breath, he by no means stopped reaching out to individuals from totally different elements of the nation to work collectively to protect nationwide unity primarily based on justice and fairness.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents by no means doubted his phrases’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Certainly, a patriot has transitioned to the nice past.
“Historical past will keep in mind him as a person who fought gallantly for the rights of the individuals of the Niger Delta, unity in variety, and true federalism.
“I do know many generations will stay pleased with how his efforts contributed to nationwide prosperity and stability,” the assertion stated.
…Akpabio, Mark mourn
Additionally, Senate President Akpabio and one among his predecessors, Senator David Mark mourned Clark’s the passing.
In separate condolences, Akpabio, in a personally signed assertion, described the demise of Clark as a lack of the nation’s conscience.
He stated: “Pa Clark’s demise is a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta, and all who cherish unity, equity, and nationwide progress.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, a famend statesman, nationalist, and Ijaw chief. His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and growth will stay evergreen within the hearts of those that knew him. As a nation, we’ve misplaced a real patriot and a champion of justice.
“At 97 years previous, Pa Clark stood as a bridge between generations—his life a testomony to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering perception within the promise of Nigeria.”
In his personal tribute, Senator Mark described the demise of the Ijaw chief and Chief Ayo Adebanjo who died final Friday, because the passing of the final of the titans.
“Their demise marks the tip of an period thus, making a void in Nigeria’s socio-political panorama.
“Clark and Adebanjo are the final of the conscience of the nation, who tirelessly fought for a progressive Nigeria of equal alternatives for all.
“Each elder statesmen had been united of their quest for an egalitarian society, free from oppression and marginalisation.
“Their exit is painful and regrettable, particularly presently when Nigeria wants males of fine conscience and valour to handle the quite a few challenges.” he stated.
…Obasanjo, Atiku too
In the same condolence message, former President Obasanjo stated Clark paid his dues to each the nation and the previous Midwestern State at totally different instances.
He stated: “I obtained yet one more surprising and unhappy information of the passing of an incredible brother and pal, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a examined administrator, an achieved politician and a revered group chief, Chief Edwin Clark.
“It was surprising as a result of we misplaced Chief Ayo Adebanjo, one other outstanding and illustrious son of Nigeria, nearly 4 days in the past. Certainly, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic management is quick depleting by the lack of our devoted and resourceful patriots who served the nation in varied capacities, notably at this significant state in our nation’s historical past when their sensible counsel and wealthy expertise are enormously wanted.
“There isn’t a gainsaying the truth that Chief Clark had an eventful service to the nation as Commissioner for Schooling and Finance within the former Midwestern State, at varied instances between 1968 and 1974, and his stint because the official spokesman of the Federal Authorities in 1975 can not go unrecognised. I keep in mind him as a detailed colleague within the Cupboard of Normal Yakubu Gowon.”
“Over time, Chief Clark was imbued with an timeless love for his individuals and remained one of many extra articulate and vocal champions of improved situations for the oil-bearing States of the nation. As one of many foremost leaders of not solely the Ijaw individuals however the South-South zone as an entire, he, till his demise, exhorted his individuals on the crucial of peace and stability within the area.
“He acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming, and dedicated patriot. He was a agency believer in democracy and participatory governance.
“Even at his prime age, Chief Clark by no means rested on his oars to proceed to contribute to nationwide growth as a dedicated nationalist. I recall a while in 2021, he, for the higher good of the nation, volunteered to be a part of the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN) which was convened by me together with His Eminence Muhammad Sa’advert Abubakar, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Normal Abdusalami Abubakar to look, on the time, into the urgent problems with nationwide unity, safety, peace, integration, {economic} revitalization and growth, ladies and youth welfare and normal progress.
“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Chief Clark a peaceable relaxation and the Clark household the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the previous president added in a press release Tuesday.
In yet one more tribute, former Vice President Abubakar described Clark’s demise as an incredible loss to Nigeria, coming after Adebanjo’s demise.
“Chief Edwin Clark, 97, the Ebi-Ebekekere, Owei of Western Ijaw in Delta State, was a Trojan warfare horse within the battlefields for independence. Above all, he was a diehard proponent of nation-building, true federalism, fairness, and good governance.
“Undoubtedly, he was a veteran freedom fighter, educationist, philanthropist, authorized luminary, and astute administrator who mentored many nationalists and patriots like us.
“Clark spoke loudly and labored assiduously in help of inclusiveness, particularly for the minority ethnic {groups} in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceable and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our nation. Sadly, that lofty dream appeared to have dimmed earlier than his eyes.
“However, we, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and proceed the drive for a greater Nigeria.
“Between 1953 and 1983, Clark paid his dues from the ebb of the ladder on the native authorities stage as much as turning into a State Commissioner and even a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic.
“I sincerely share within the grieving temper of his nuclear and prolonged households, notably PANDEF, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in its entirety.
“Relaxation on Pa Clark, the loud voice of motive in opposition to foul political practices. You had been an architect of rule of legislation, justice, and honest play. Could God obtain your mild soul and let you blissfully relaxation in eternity,” he stated.
…NGF mourns the duo
Additionally mourning the duo of Clark and Adebanjo, the Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board (NGF) commiserated with President Tinubu and stakeholders within the Nigerian venture.
In keeping with the governors, “the deaths of the nonagenarians are an enormous depletion within the ranks of excellent voices who had been by no means afraid to supply their views on problems with nationwide significance.”
In a press release Tuesday by the NGF chairman and Kwara state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Discussion board recalled that the duo performed important roles within the evolution of the nation’s democracy, constitutional growth, and the discourse round its federal system vis-a-vis topical problems with useful resource management and the rights of ethnic minorities.
“The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to the individuals and governments of South-West and South-South, particularly Ogun and Delta States, and to the households of the statesmen on these unhappy developments.
“The Discussion board prays for the repose of their souls, saying their legacies will endure for generations but unborn”, the assertion added.