President Bola Tinubu has expressed great sadness over the death of Chief Edwin Clark, a former federal Commissioner of Information and renowned leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
The presidency issued a brief statement stating that Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.
Clark, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, was a man who lived a distinguished life defined by committed devotion to the nation and his community as a councillor, state cabinet member, and federal cabinet member.
The presidency also described Clark as a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
According to Tinubu, on behalf of the federal government, I extend my condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
The President said Clark’s passing is a deeply sobering loss.
Tinubu also noted that the Elderstatesman was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
He also described him as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
”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,” Tinubu noted.
