By Daniel Tyokua
Southern Governors’ Forum and the Pan-Yoruba social – cultural group, Afenifere have mourned the passing of a renowned Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark.
Clark, leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) died on Monday in the nation’s capital, Abuja at 97.
The Chairman of the Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described Clark’s death as a profound loss to Nigeria, a glorious conclusion of a monumental chapter in Nigerian history.
According to him, the late PANDEF leader was one of the greatest leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone of the country and arguably the most engaging voice for the redressing of decades of exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta peoples.
The governor said the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate marks an era that can never be forgotten.
Abiodun said whatever sorrow the exit of the foremost Ijaw leader springs has been tempered by the giant strides he left in various sectors of the Nigerian national life and the unimpeachable accomplishments he achieved in about 70 years of distinguished national service.
“The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence, and post-independence eras with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian history”
Afenifere through the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, said Clark was passionate about Nigeria, just like the late Afenifere chieftain, 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,
“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” Ajayi said.
Ajayi, who conveyed the condolences of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said Clark would forever be remembered for his contributions to the country.
“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,” Afenifere spokesman said.
Clark was a former federal commissioner for information and a prominent Ijaw leader.
A distinguished lawyer, activist, and politician, Clark was a formidable voice for the South-South region and the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
He founded PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, advocating justice, equality, and human rights.
