The Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, on Thursday described the passing of Edwin Clark, a revered elder statesman and national leader, as a huge vacuum not just in terms of leadership in the Niger Delta region but in the entire nation.

Chief Clark died peacefully in Abuja on Monday at the age of 97. His family confirmed his death in a statement signed by his brother, Prof. C. C. Clark, and his son, Penawei, on behalf of the children.

Bassey, in a statement in Benin, described Clark’s demise as a huge vacuum not just in terms of leadership in the Niger Delta region but in the entire nation.

The environmentalist and poet said that the late elder statesman and Niger Delta leader lived a great, fulfilled, and impactful life.

“Chief Edwin Clark lived a great, full, and impactful life. His departure leaves a huge vacuum not just in terms of leadership in the Niger Delta but in the entire nation.

“His forthrightness challenged everyone even when it ruffled many feathers. He was a pillar of defense for the heavily deprived and marginalized peoples of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“With his departure, the nation sorely needs elders and leaders who would follow in his footsteps and care about the future of our peoples and environment rather than merely seeking positions, power, and wealth, as often is the case. We have lost a great leader, but his ideals stand strong,” Bassey said.