“Last set of titans gone, Tinubu, PANDEF, Govs, Mark, and others mourn
BY ADUGE -ANI
Nigerians were yesterday thrown into grief following the announcement of the death of the foremost promoter of good governance in the country, Pa Edwin Clark. His death occured few days after that of his compatriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
While the demise of Clark, a renowned Ijaw leader, at 97, was announced early Tuesday, Adebanjo, a great leader of Yoruba pan group, Afenifere was three days ago. He was 96 years old
Both former leaders were until their death prominent nationalist leaders and champions of good governance. Both were in the forefront of the demand for a total restructuring of the nation
Expressing shock over the death of Chief Edwin Clar, President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday he was saddened by the death of a former Federal Commissioner for Information and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark.
The president, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta and the government of Delta.
“President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss,”
Tinubu, who described the late Ijaw leader as a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades, added that Clark was 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,” he said.
According to the president, history will remember Clark 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 his contributions to national prosperity and stability,” said Tinubu
In his own tribut, former President of the Senate, David Mark lamented that the two elder statesmen and patriots: former Federal Commissioner for Information, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo were the last set of titans in the country.
“Their demise marks the end of an era thus, creating a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape,” Mark stated.
Senator Mark described Clark and Adebanjo as the “last of the conscience of the nation, who tirelessly fought for a progressive Nigeria of equal opportunities for all.
“Both elder statesmen were united in their quest for an egalitarian society, free from oppression and marginalization.”
Senator Mark added that their exit is painful and regrettable, especially at this time when Nigeria needs men of good conscience and valour to address the numerous challenges.
Senator Mark noted that Clark and Adebanjo may not have seen the Nigeria of their dreams but they have laid a solid foundation for future growth and development.
Senator Mark urged the President Bola Tinubu led Federal Government, to immortalize Clark and Adebanjo for their selfless services and contributions to Nigeria.
He hopes that the ideals of patriotism, equal opportunities, unity, peace, and progress which the departed elder statesmen advocated will inspire Nigeria’s future growth.
The former Senate boss also consoles the immediate families, governments, and people of Ogun and Delta States just as he urged them to find solace in the credible legacies left behind by the two elder statesmen.
Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri, says he received the news of the passing of the Ijaw ethnic nationality’s foremost personage and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, with sadness and equanimity.
In a statement by his media aide, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the Ijaw nation had lost its father figure and irrepressible voice.
Diri stated: “Chief Clark was an icon, a treasure of inestimable value, and a nationalist par excellence.
“He was a distinguished patriot, who dedicated his whole life to the service of Nigeria. Until the very end, he was unrelenting.
“As the Ijaw nation reflects on the passage of this exceptional sage, we take solace in his matchless contributions to national development.
“On behalf of the Ijaw nation, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State, I express heartfelt condolences to the Clark family of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area and the Delta State government.
“I pray the Lord to grant the family and indeed the Ijaw nation the grace to bear this great loss.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and every stakeholder in the Nigerian project to mourn the two great statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, CON.
A statement by the NGF Chairman and governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said: “The deaths of the nonagenarians are a huge depletion in the ranks of outstanding voices who were never afraid to offer their views on issues of national importance, according to a statement by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
“The Forum recalls that the duo played critical roles in the evolution of the country’s democracy, constitutional development, and the discourse around its federal system vis-à-vis topical issues of resource control and the rights of ethnic minorities.
“The NGF sends its heartfelt condolences to the people and governments of South-West and South-South, especially Ogun and Delta States, and to the families of the statesmen on these sad developments.
“The Forum prays for the repose of their souls, saying their legacies will endure for generations yet unborn.”
Similarly, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum has announced the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a revered national leader and elder statesman.
PANDEF, in a statement jointly issued by Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, described his passing as the fall of a “mighty Iroko tree.” the statement highlighted Chief Clark’s towering contributions to public service, politics, and community development over 75 years.
He was the founding father of PANDEF and co-led the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, advocating tirelessly for justice, equality, and human rights.
“Pa Clark was indeed a towering figure in Nigeria, known for his tireless advocacy for justice and human rights,” the statement read.
“A distinguished lawyer, activist, and politician, Chief Edwin Clark was a prominent leader of the South-South region of Nigeria and the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
“His brilliant mind and generous spirit will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and compassionate society,” the statement noted.
Throughout his career, Clark was known for his outspoken defense of marginalized communities and his relentless pursuit of a fair and equitable society.
His contributions extended beyond politics into the legal profession, education, and community development—where he founded several universities.
As he quietly departs just months before his 98th birthday, PANDEF expresses comfort in the biblical words from Acts 13:36: “After he had served the purpose of God in his generation, he fell asleep and was allowed to rest.”
The statement concluded by noting that details of his funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
