.Clark was fearless and impactful leader, says INC
From Abdul Salaudeen, Ilorin and Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, has condoled with the families of two prominent Nigerians and elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, noting that their deaths had “depleted the rank of national outstanding voices”.
AljazirahNigeria reports that Adebanjo died at his Lekki residence last Friday at the age of 96, while Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
The NGF in a statement issued in Ilorin, yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, stated that the duo were never afraid to offer their views on issues of national importance.
In this vein, the Forum recalled that the played critical roles in the evolution of the country’s democracy, constitutional development, and the discourse around its federal system vis-a-vis topical issues of resource control and the rights of ethnic minorities.
The NGF extended its heartfelt condolences to the people and governments of South-West and South-South, especially Ogun and Delta States, and the families of the statesmen on these developments.
The Forum then prayed for the repose of their souls, saying their legacies would endure for generations yet unborn.
Earlier, in a separate statement yesterday, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, said the Ijaw nation has lost its father figure following the death of Chief Edwin Clark.
The statement quoted Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, as saying that Diri
received the news of the passing of the Ijaw ethnic nationality’s foremost leader with sadness and equanimity.
“The Ijaw nation has lost its father figure and irrepressible voice.
“Chief Clark was an icon, a treasure of inestimable value and a nationalist par excellence.
“He was a distinguished patriot, who dedicated his whole life to the service of Nigeria”, he said.
The Governor added that Clark was unrelenting until the very end.
“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 the people of Bayelsa State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Clark’s 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”, he said.
Consequently, the Governor said he had directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast for three days.
“Meanwhile, all our government’s fifth anniversary activities remain suspended for the same period”, he said.
Similarly, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo expressed deep sorrow and condolences on the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, a revered statesman, former National Commissioner for Information and a worthy Leader of the South South.
The Governor in a release signed by Fred Itua, the
Chief Press Secretary , said
“Today, Edo State mourns the loss of a true giant”.
According to him, “Edwin Clark dedicated his life to the service of our region and our nation. His contributions as an advocate for education and a champion of social justice have left an indelible mark on our history. He was a man of integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society”.
“He was a mentor to many, and his guidance and counsel will be deeply missed. He inspired generations of public servants, young leaders, and community members to strive for excellence and to serve with dedication.
“Edwin Clark’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive impact he had on everyone. We have lost a true treasure, but we are grateful for the time we had with him and the invaluable contributions he made”, the Governor further stated.
Besides, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, expressed sadness over the passing on of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as an unpretentious federalist.
The Governor said that Clark gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.
Mbah, in a post on his verified X handle, @PNMbah, yesterday, said Clark discharged his calling as a social crusader, and a champion of equity, justice, and true federalist.
“I received with rude shock the passing on of a revered statesman, Chief Edwin Clark. He was one man, whom you were never in doubt of where he stood on any national issue.
“He was a courageous leader and was not just bold and vocal, but also he was principled in his advocacy”, he said.
According to him, the Ijaw leader fought for democracy, good governance, and fiscal federalism until he breathed his last.
“This is, therefore, a grave loss, not only to his immediate family, Delta State, and the Niger Delta, but also to the nation as a whole”, he said.
The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late icon.
The Ijaw National Congress, INC, worldwide, has described late Chief Edwin Clark, who died at 97 as a “fearless and impactful leader”.
Clark, until his death was the chairman of the INC Board of Trustees.
The INC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, in Abuja, yesterday, said that the demise of the elder statesman was shocking.
Oyakemeagbegha, said that Pa Clark was a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.
He also said that the elder statesman, an advocate for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta region, the South-South, and other marginalised communities, would be deeply missed.
“It is with deep shock and sadness that the INC worldwide received the news of the passing of our leader and elder, Chief E.K Clark.
“As a fearless and impactful leader, Pa Clark was unapologetic in his pursuit of equality and justice.
“As the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, he galvanised the Niger Delta region to demand for their rights, sparking a national conversation on restructuring and true federalism.
“The Ijaw National Congress, where he was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees until his demise, will feel his absence profoundly, particularly during this critical period of advocating for total resource control and revisiting the Willink’s Commission Report”, he said.
The INC publicity secretary added that Clark’s legacy would continue to inspire generations yet unborn to fight for a just and equitable society.
Meanwhile, the deaths of the two statesmen continue to generate reactions from different stratas of the Nigerian society and beyond.
