The death of Chief Edwin Clark, a foremost nationalist and elder statesman who passed away on Monday at 97 in Abuja, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other prominent Nigerians, who lauded his enduring contributions to justice, unity, true federalism, and national development.

President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the death, describing it as a “deeply sobering loss.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Clark as a towering figure whose influence spanned nearly six decades in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He referred to the late leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) as a courageous statesman who fearlessly stood for his convictions and was never deterred by the challenge of standing 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,” Tinubu said.

The President praised Clark’s commitment to national unity, justice, and equity, noting that he was a lawyer and educationist who worked tirelessly to bridge divides and foster collaboration among people across Nigeria.

“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 added.

Tinubu further highlighted Clark’s advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta people, unity in diversity, and true federalism, stating that history would remember him for his efforts.

The President prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those mourning his loss.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the late Edwin Clark as a seasoned economist, administrator, and accomplished politician, saying his death is a significant loss to Nigeria.

In a statement, Obasanjo expressed shock at the news of Clark’s passing, particularly as it followed the recent death of Chief Ayo Adebanjo. “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 said.

He praised Clark’s unwavering love for his people, noting that he remained one of the most vocal advocates for improved conditions in the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta. Obasanjo described him as a prominent leader of the Ijaw people and the South-South region, who consistently championed peace and stability in the area.

“Even at his prime age, Chief Clark never rested on his oars to continue to contribute to national development as a committed nationalist,” Obasanjo added, recalling Clark’s involvement in the Committee for Goodness of Nigeria (CGN) in 2021. The committee, convened by Obasanjo alongside other eminent Nigerians, aimed to address pressing national issues, including unity, security, and economic development.

Obasanjo highlighted Clark’s courage and dedication to progressive ideals, noting his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political development and national discourse.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid tribute to the late Chief Clark, describing him as a “Trojan War horse” in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and a steadfast advocate for nation-building, true federalism, equity, and good governance.

In a statement, Atiku highlighted Clark’s relentless efforts to promote inclusiveness, particularly for Nigeria’s minority ethnic groups. “Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country,” he said.

Reflecting on Clark’s vision, Atiku lamented that the late leader’s dream of a better Nigeria seemed to have dimmed before his passing but vowed to uphold his legacy. “We, his mentees, shall rekindle the torch and continue the drive for a better Nigeria,” he pledged.

The former Vice President expressed his condolences to Clark’s family, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Ijaw nation, Delta State, and the nation at large. He also prayed for the repose of Clark’s soul.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, expressed shock over the death of Chief Clark, extending his sympathies to the late elder statesman’s family and the people of the Niger Delta.

In his tribute, Obi described Clark as a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, equity, and good governance. He recalled Clark’s unwavering support for his presidential campaign, noting that the endorsement reflected Clark’s dedication to building a fair and progressive Nigeria.

“Chief Clark’s endorsement symbolised his commitment to a New Nigeria based on fairness and progress,” Obi said, praising the late leader’s vision and efforts toward a better country.

Also, Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Prof Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman, describing his death as a significant loss in Nigeria’s journey towards nationhood.

Mbah, in a statement on his verified X handle, @PNMbah, yesterday, described Clark as an “unpretentious federalist” who served God, the nation, and humanity with unwavering dedication. “Chief Edwin Clark discharged his calling as a conscience of the nation, voice of reason, social crusader, and a champion of equity, justice, and true federalism,” he said. Mbah lauded Clark as a principled and courageous leader whose advocacy for national issues was always bold and vocal.

Oborevwori eulogised Clark as a selfless patriot whose life was devoted to the growth and unity of the nation, particularly in the South-South region. He described Clark’s passing as “the end of a great era,” while commiserating with the Ijaw nation and the late elder statesman’s family over the loss.

Soludo extolled Clark as an extraordinary patriot and elder statesman whose service as a former Federal Commissioner for Information and leader of PANDEF stood as a beacon of dedication to the nation. “His voice resonated not just for the Niger Delta but for all of Nigeria,” Soludo said, highlighting Clark’s commitment to justice, equity, and true federalism.

He further noted that Clark’s life exemplified the potential for building bridges across ethnic and regional divides, emphasising that although his death marked the end of an era, his vision for a united and just Nigeria would continue to inspire future generations.

Former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, expressed profound sorrow over the death of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark.

In a statement issued by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi described Clark as a patriot and a towering figure in Nigeria’s history whose contributions to the nation’s development were unparalleled.

“Pa Clark was a great statesman whose contributions to the development of our nation were immeasurable. His service to Nigeria spanned decades, from his early career in public service to his unwavering commitment to national unity and development,” Fayemi stated. He commended Clark’s dedication to the nation, noting that his legacy would remain a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, described Clark as a dedicated patriot who worked tirelessly for a just and united Nigeria.

In a statement, Akinyemi recalled his interactions with Clark during the 2014 National Conference, where Clark served as a delegate and Akinyemi was the Deputy Chairman. He praised Clark’s unwavering commitment to the proceedings, noting, “Chief Clark was not late for one day or one session during the entire session of the Conference.”

Akinyemi highlighted Clark’s behind-the-scenes efforts to promote harmony and calm tensions during the Conference. “While he did not speak much publicly, his interventions were significant and motivated by the desire to maintain a just and united Nigeria,” he said. He added that Clark’s exemplary life and service to the nation had earned him eternal rest, offering prayers for his soul.

The South-South Elders Forum, Ijaw National Congress (INC), and other prominent figures expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman, describing his demise as an irreplaceable loss to the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

The National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, Anabs Saro-Igbe, lamented that Clark’s death leaves a void in the region’s fight for human rights and resource control.

“Pa Clark contributed immensely to the development of the region, fought vigorously for the rights of minorities, oil host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill, and the Niger Delta as a whole,” Saro-Igbe said. He also credited Clark’s advocacy for true democracy with liberating Rivers State from godfatherism and preventing it from being controlled by a single individual.

The INC, in its tribute, described Clark as a fearless leader whose absence has plunged the Ijaw nation into mourning. INC National Publicity Secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, noted, “Pa Clark spoke truth to power, was brutally frank, and never political in his agitations. He stood not only for the Ijaw people but also for the entire Niger Delta, South-South region, and oppressed minorities.”

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Gani Adams, and the Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) also paid glowing tributes. Adams described Clark as an unrelenting advocate for restructuring and justice. “He was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, championing resource control, environmental protection, and economic development for the region. His contributions to PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress were invaluable,” Adams said.

CCDI, represented by President Goddy Uwazurike and Secretary Steve Nwabuko, expressed shock at Clark’s passing, which came just days after the death of his compatriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. They highlighted Clark’s impactful career as a Federal Commissioner under General Yakubu Gowon and his pivotal role in the military administration of Colonel Samuel Ogbemudia in the old Bendel State.

Adams added that Clark’s leadership of the Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly and his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s restructuring were defining features of his legacy. “We have lost yet another strong voice in the country. He fought tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is restructured,” Adams added.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum described the late Clark as a national patriarch and an unparalleled leader of the South-South region and the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF lauded Clark’s over 75 years of active public service, highlighting his role as a relentless advocate for justice, equality, and human rights.

“Pa Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria, known for his contributions to the legal profession, politics, community development, and education, where he founded several universities,” the statement read. “As he quietly departs just shy of his 98th birthday, his legacy as a passionate champion of the people, a brilliant mind, and a generous spirit will continue to inspire Nigerians to strive for a more just and equitable society.”

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, extended his condolences to Clark’s family and the South-South geopolitical zone, describing the late elder statesman as “our illustrious father.”

He stated, “Nigeria lost its unique and potent voice in the South-South geopolitical zone, a gift from God. His death has created a vacuum in the country’s leadership structure. He was a democratic and socio-economic crusader.”

Ann Kio Briggs, a prominent female voice in the South-South, described Clark as the “greatest Iroko tree” of the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta, and Nigeria. She expressed her deep sense of personal loss, recalling the mentorship and wisdom she received from him. “I learnt a lot from him at his feet. I loved him dearly, and he nurtured in me the truth and fearlessness he embodied,” she said.

Briggs hailed Clark’s vision in establishing PANDEF, describing it as a testament to his foresight and leadership. “He fought for the rights and justice of our people and our resources but never to the detriment of our future,” she said. “He believed in democracy for Nigeria and justice for our region. His dreams for us are justified and achievable, and I, for one, will not let him down.”

Briggs urged the current leadership of PANDEF to uphold Clark’s legacy and work tirelessly to fulfil his vision for the Niger Delta. “It is tough to fill Pa Clark’s shoes, but we must strive to ensure his dreams for justice and equity are realised,” she added.