From Owen Akenzua, Asaba 

President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor,  Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore, were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday. 

The funeral service was held at St Paul Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. Other dignitaries in attendance include Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State). 

Also present were the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his wife, Ezinne Catherine; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senators Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas,  Ede Dafinone,  Henry Seriake Dickson, and Chief Rufus Ada George; and the Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, among others.

President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, expressed sadness over the passing of the elder statesman, and respected leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF. 

Tinubu said: “Pa Clark was a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. He was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation. 

“His views on national issues were distinct and patriotic. He believed in a united Nigeria. As an astute politician, even his opponents never doubted his integrity”. 

Former President  Jonathan described Pa Clark as a great nationalist who lived in full validation of human dignity.

“He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride. Pa Clark was more than a father and leader; he was an ambassador, an audacious voice for the voiceless and a steadfast preacher of justice and minority rights. 

“Whether as a federal commissioner or later as an elder statesman, he remained a courageous and fearless advocate for equity, justice, inclusivity and good governance”, he said. 

The Senate president said, “Pa Clark was a pan-Nigerian and Pan-African who fought for all, including the minorities. 

“He has left a legacy and a responsibility to his followers. He did well for Nigeria and for the Niger Delta. The Senate valued him and his memory will remain a part of our national history. 

“He stood tall when others bowed for convenience. He belonged to a generation that believed in the eternal cause of freedom. He was a testament to conviction and principles.” 

Governor  Oborevwori, on his part, described Pa Clark as fearless, vocal, bold, assertive, and unrelenting in speaking truth to power, adding that he never remained silent in the face of abuse of power, corruption or injustice.

Oborevwori, said: “Pa Clark lived a fulfilled life and will be remembered for his legacy and contributions to nation-building. 

“He was a teacher, educator, politician and astute public servant, an example of a life dedicated to service. 

“He was the voice of the oppressed in Nigeria’s political space. We have lost a powerful voice in the Niger Delta. He fought for improved living conditions, food security, quality education, public safety and accessible healthcare services. 

“We must unite, particularly in the Niger Delta, to continue his legacy. I am glad our leader, former President   Jonathan is here. We must rally around him and remain united, because it is only through unity that we can achieve more for our people. 

“When we allow division through personal sentiments, we will hinder progress. 

“Our Senate president is one of us. We will continue to support you because that is how we can succeed as a nation. 

“May God bless Nigeria with more leaders like Chief  Clark and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Earlier, the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu, delivered a poignant homily, referencing Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is better than riches.” 

He lauded Pa Clark’s virtues, calling him a champion of integrity and a man of impeccable character.

The archbishop highlighted Clark’s selfless service, noting that he used his legal expertise pro bono to advocate for the poor and vulnerable. “His dedication to justice and integrity earned him the reputation of a true voice for the Niger Delta”, he said.

He reminded Nigerians that “a good name is more valuable than material wealth”, saying  “we bring nothing into this world and we will take nothing with us when we leave.” 

He voiced concern over the destructive influence of false prophecies in Nigeria, urging repentance and a return to the values of integrity and righteousness that the nation’s founding fathers upheld.

Referencing Matthew 6:33, the cleric called on Nigerians to prioritise their relationship with God, seek his kingdom above all else and live lives that are pleasing to him. He urged the church and the nation to strive for a right standing with God.

By Paul Effiong

House of Representatives has passed a Bill seeking  the  inclusion of Inter–University Centres among the beneficiaries of the tax imposed under the TETFUND Act, for second reading.

The Bill with the title: “Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, No.16, 2011 to Provide for the Inclusion of Inter–University Centres among beneficiaries of the Tax Imposed under the Act; and for Related Matters HB.1754,” was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin  Kalu and eight other lawmakers.

The inter-university centres in the country, include institutions such as -the National Mathematical Centre, NMC, Abuja;  National Institute for Nigerian Languages, NINLAN, Aba, Abia State; Nigerian French Language Village, NFLV, Badagry, Lagos State; and National Arabic Language Village, Ngala, Borno State.

In his lead debate on the general principles of  the Bill , one of the co-sponsors,  Tolani Shagaya informed  that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, was established under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, No.16 of 2011 in order to provide supplementary support for the general development of public tertiary institutions. 

According to the lawmaker, the scheme has grown to become one of the most impactful institutional frameworks in the  education sector through the improvement of infrastructure, provision of learning, instructional tools and equipment, training and re-training of both academic and non-academic staff that is fostering research and innovation in the nation’s public tertiary institutions. 

He,  however, said   Inter-University Centres, which are established by Acts of the National Assembly to serve all universities have been excluded from this support framework, despite the fact that they play  unique and indispensable roles in advancing tertiary education across Nigeria. 

He  informed that these  centres was designed to fill critical academic, linguistic and research gaps, as well as  serve as specialised knowledge hubs for all, even as he also expressed disappointment that  currently, there is no support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, even though their academic and training  directly supports the same university system that education tax is meant to fund. 

While calling for an amendment into the establishment Acts, he stressed that such will ensure equity, inclusion and academic relevance.

He also expressed the hope that  the swift passage of the Bill will enhance the overall development of the  tertiary education system. 

According to him, “Inter-University Centres support the entire university ecosystem by offering centralised expertise, hosting advanced research, conducting nationwide language training and enhancing academic cooperation across institutions. Yet, because they are not classified as traditional universities, polytechnics or colleges of education, they have been excluded from the funding streams that sustain similar tertiary institutions.”