Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the death of Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, on Monday. President Bola Tinubu, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar have expressed their condolences, describing his passing as an irreparable loss to the nation.
A statement released by Professor C. C. Clark, on behalf of the family, confirmed that the former Federal Commissioner of Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) passed away on Monday.
Tinubu: “He Fought Gallantly for the Rights of the People”
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement, hailed Pa Clark as an astute politician and patriot whose legacy will be remembered for generations. He acknowledged Clark’s unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta people and his lifelong advocacy for unity, justice, and equity in Nigeria.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
Obasanjo: “A Seasoned Economist, Tested Administrator, and Accomplished Politician”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also paid tribute, describing Clark as a seasoned economist, tested administrator, and accomplished politician whose service to Nigeria was profound.
“I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark,” Obasanjo wrote.
“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial stage in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.”
Obasanjo highlighted Clark’s impactful service as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State between 1968 and 1974, and his significant role as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975.
“I remember him as a close colleague in the Cabinet of General Yakubu Gowon,” he added.
“Over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing States of the country. As one of the foremost leaders of not only the Ijaw people but the South-South zone as a whole, he, until his death, exhorted his people on the imperative of peace and stability in the region.
“He acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.”
Obasanjo recalled how, even in his old age, Clark remained active in national affairs. He was part of the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN), which sought to address national unity, security, economic revitalization, and youth welfare.
“For all I knew about him since our paths crossed, Chief Clark never, for once, rested on his oars in exhibiting uncommon courage and commitment to progressive ideals in his contributions to the socio-political development of our country and national discourse.”
Obasanjo noted that Clark’s passing has left a vacuum at a time when Nigeria still needed his experience and wisdom.
“We thank God, however, that Chief Clark lived a long and God-fearing life, full of service to Nigeria and its people and left behind the virtues of hard work and transparency in public life which are important lessons for both the present and future generations. We should also be consoled by the facts that he lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community, and he is mourned by all.
“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Chief Clark a peaceful rest and the Clark family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Atiku: “He Was a Trojan War Horse”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also described the passing of Chief Edwin Clark as a great loss to Nigeria, especially coming so soon after the death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
“Chief Edwin Clark, 97, the Ebi-Ebekekere, Owei of Western Ijaw in Delta State, was a Trojan war horse in the battlefields for independence. Above all, he was a diehard proponent of nation-building, true federalism, equity, and good governance,” Atiku stated.
“Undoubtedly, he was a veteran freedom fighter, educationist, philanthropist, legal luminary, and astute administrator who mentored many nationalists and patriots like us.
“Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness, especially for the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country. Sadly, that lofty dream seemed to have dimmed before his eyes.
“But, we, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and continue the drive for a better Nigeria.”
Atiku recalled Clark’s long political career, spanning from 1953 to 1983, where he served at various levels, including as a State Commissioner and a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic.
“I sincerely share in the grieving mood of his nuclear and extended families, particularly PANDEF, the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and Nigeria in its entirety,” he continued.
“Rest on Pa Clark, the loud voice of reason against foul political practices. You were an architect of rule of law, justice, and fair play.
“May God receive your gentle soul and allow you to blissfully rest in eternity.”
A Nation in Mourning
Pa Edwin Clark’s death marks the loss of one of Nigeria’s most vocal advocates for true federalism, resource control, and minority rights. Until his final days, he remained an unwavering voice in national affairs, pushing for fairness and equity for the Niger Delta and the entire nation.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria, it is evident that Chief Edwin Clark’s legacy will remain a guiding light for future generations. His contributions to Nigeria’s political and social landscape will not be forgotten, and his unwavering dedication to justice and national unity will inspire many.
