*Tinubu, Oborevwori, Diri, others mourn

It has been a day of tributes and encomiums as prominent Nigerians grieved over the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who transited to eternal glory at the age of 97.

Clark, who is the convener and foremost leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum ( PANDEF), died on Monday but the news of his passage was broken in the early hours if today. A short statement released by the family read thus;
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February , 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time.
Other details will be announced later by the family.”
The statement was jointly signed by
Prof. C. C. Clark, for the family and
Mr. Penawei Clark for the chil

In a tribute, President Bola Tinubu said he was deeply saddened by the death of Chief Edwin Clark, describing the incident a as a sobering loss for the country.

On behalf of the federal government, Tinubu extended his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. He said Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades

”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 national prosperity and stability,” the President said.l

Governor, of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori commiserated with the Ijaw nation on the passing of Clark, describing his death as “End of a great era

In a condolence message to the family and the Ijaw nation, Oborevwori, described Pa Clark’s life and times as indeed well spent in the service of the nation.

He eulogised the late elder statesman for his unwavering and unprecedented dedication to the growth and unity of the nation, especially in the South-South.

Oborevwori said; “Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief (Dr) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades. Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervour.

“To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity and justice for the region.

“His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday 17th February, 2025.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Kiagbodo, and the Ijaw nation over this monumental loss. We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came, he saw, and he conquered.

“Pa Clark, an astute lawyer, administrator, patriot, and freedom fighter, was a prominent player in Nigerian politics and a tenacious supporter of the rights of Niger Deltans.”

His passing, coming a few days after the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, is truly the end of a great era.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, said that with the exit of Clark, the Ijaw nation has lost its father-figure and irrepressible voice.
Diri who said that he received the news of the passing of the Ijaw ethnic nationality’s foremost personage and leader with sadness and equanimity stated that Clark was an icon, a treasure of inestimable value and a nationalist par excellence.

A statement n Tuesday by Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri stated that Clark was a distinguished patriot, who dedicated his whole life to the service of Nigeria.

The statement reads:” Until the very end, Clark 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 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 grants the family and indeed the Ijaw nation the grace to bear this great loss.”