President Bola Tinubu, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a towering statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who died on Monday at the age of 97.
They described his demise as a great loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta, and all who cherish justice, unity, and national progress.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sadness over Clark’s death, recognizing him as a towering figure whose influence shaped Nigeria’s political landscape for nearly six decades.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President highlighted Clark’s unwavering advocacy for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
“He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member,” Tinubu said. “Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.”
The President further described Clark as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in, even when it meant standing alone. “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,” Tinubu added.
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Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also paid tribute to the late elder statesman, acknowledging his unwavering convictions and steadfast commitment to justice and equity.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote on his verified X handle.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Clark’s passing as the end of an era, a solemn closure to a life dedicated to justice, fairness, and national unity.
“With the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, an era draws to a solemn close. Today, we do not merely mourn the departure of a man; we grieve the fading of a guiding light, a towering statesman whose voice resonated with wisdom, courage, and unshakable love for Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
He praised Clark as a fearless advocate for equity and resource control in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that his dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development would remain evergreen.
“He was a warrior for the Niger Delta, a fearless advocate for equity and resource control, and an unrelenting defender of the oppressed. He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient, because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty,” Akpabio added.
The late elder statesman was not just a political leader but also a moral compass who continuously reminded Nigerians of their responsibility toward good governance.
As Akpabio noted, “His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion.”
Clark’s family confirmed his passing through a statement by Prof. C. C. Clark on Tuesday.
As the nation comes to terms with the loss of this extraordinary leader, President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and former Senate President Saraki have extended their heartfelt condolences to Clark’s family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the entire country.
The elder statesman’s legacy of advocacy, integrity, and dedication to justice will continue to inspire generations to come.
