By Attah Ede
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, expressed sadness over the demise of former federal commissioner of information and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark
Chief Clark’s death was announced today by the family at the age of 97.
He was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Consequently, President Tinubu in his condolence message to chief Clark’s family, said the influence of the Niger Delta leader was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in a statement, on behalf of his principal said Clark was also a “passionate advocate 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.
“On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
“Chief Clark was a “towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
“The President states that Chief 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.
”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 ational prosperity and stability.”, the statement said.
