Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, and other national leaders, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The former federal commissioner for information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) passed away at the age of 97.
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Clark led a distinguished life of service. He held various leadership roles at local, state, and federal levels, becoming a powerful voice for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
Tributes from National Leaders
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described Clark’s passing as a profound loss. He acknowledged the elder statesman’s towering influence in Nigeria’s political space for nearly six decades. Senate President Godswill Akpabio called Clark’s death a monumental loss to the nation, hailing his dedication to unity, fairness, and national progress. He noted that Clark’s impact on Nigeria’s development would remain indelible.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, described Clark as an “iconic statesman” whose commitment to national reforms and community development will be remembered. He urged the Clark family and the Niger Delta people to uphold his legacy. Former NIMASA Director General Dr. Dakuku Peterside also mourned the elder statesman, calling him a patriot and defender of justice. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), in a statement by its chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lamented the loss of Clark and another elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing them as fearless voices on national issues.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Clark as a veteran freedom fighter and a mentor to many nationalists. He noted that Clark’s death followed closely after the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, marking the end of an era. Similarly, former Senate President David Mark said their demise created a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara extended condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, stating that the loss was heartbreaking despite Clark’s advanced age, as he remained an active moral compass for government leaders.
PANDEF Pays Tribute
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which Clark founded, described him as a national patriarch, lawyer, activist, and politician. PANDEF Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali confirmed that Clark passed away in Abuja on Monday, surrounded by family. In a statement, PANDEF’s national publicity secretary, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, highlighted Clark’s leadership of the South-South region and the Ijaw ethnic nationality. He credited Clark for his tireless advocacy for justice, equality, and human rights over more than 75 years of public service.
Beyond politics, Clark’s contributions to law, education, and community development were significant, as he founded several universities and played a key role in national discourse. His death marks the end of an era for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
