Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed deep sadness over the death of a prominent Ijaw Leader and nationalist, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing him as a bridge-builder and patriot.
Jonathan, stated this in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Eze Ikechukwu in Abuja, yesterday.
He also described the late elder statesman as a father figure, peerless icon and relentless crusader for justice who devoted his life to the betterment of the society.
The former president said that the late elder statesman inspired different generations of leaders, including himself, during his lifetime.
“Chief E.K. Clark was not just a father figure to me but a peerless icon of Nigeria’s political landscape, a voice of reason and a relentless advocate for justice, equity and unity.
“His was a life of selfless service, unwavering courage and an unyielding commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
“His wisdom, foresight and dedication to the principles of fairness and good governance inspired generations of leaders, including myself.
“He was a man of integrity, a bridge-builder, and a patriot who devoted his life to the betterment of our society”, he said.
Jonathan, recalled, with gratitude, Clark’s invaluable counsel and support during his tenure as president of Nigeria.
He said that the deceased’s passion for the Niger Delta and his relentless pursuit of peace and progress, not only in the region but across the country, remained indelible marks of his legacy.
According to him, Clark’s passing was not just a loss to his family but to the entire nation, stressing that Nigeria has lost one of its most respected and influential leaders.
He stated that the late leader of Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, lived a fulfilled life, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience and service to humanity.
Jonathan, commiserated with the immediate family, friends and associates of the elder statesman
He prayed to God to grant the elder statesman’s soul eternal rest and his immediate family, the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians in general the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, has directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for three days in honour of the late former Federal Commissioner for Information.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, also said that all the state government’s fifth anniversary activities would remain suspended for the same period.
He expressed grief at the death of the Ijaw leader.
The development has led to the cancellation of the distribution of starter-packs to no fewer than 3,000 beneficiaries of Diri’s skill acquisition scheme scheduled to receive the starter-packs at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, yesterday.
The youth, who had completed various skills acquisition schemes had converged on the venue, awaiting the distribution of the business empowerment kits, having earlier completed all the requisite documentations.
Their expectations were, however, cut short when the master of ceremonies at the event announced the suspension of the exercise, apparently owing to Clark’s death.
Some of the beneficiaries, who wore forlorn look, expressed the regret that the event had been postponed for the second time, as it was hitherto scheduled for Feb. 14. NAN
