Prominent Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have expressed sorrow over the passing of renowned elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who died on Monday at the age of 96.
A statement from Professor C. C. Clark, issued on behalf of the family, confirmed the passing of the former federal commissioner for information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Tinubu Pays Tribute to a Defender of Niger Delta Rights
Reacting to the news, President Tinubu described Chief Clark as a patriotic leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the Niger Delta people.
“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.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
Obasanjo Recalls Clark’s Dedicated Service to the Nation
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also shared his grief, reflecting on the statesman’s long and impactful career in public service. He noted that Chief Clark played significant roles in Nigeria’s political and economic development, having served as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State from 1968 to 1974 and as the official spokesman of the Federal Government in 1975.
Obasanjo stated, “Over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing States of the country.”
He further noted that Clark was deeply committed to democracy, national unity, and stability, working tirelessly to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region. Despite his advanced age, Clark continued to contribute to national discourse and policy discussions.
Atiku Calls Clark a “Trojan War Horse” in the Fight for Justice
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Chief Clark’s passing as a significant loss, especially coming so soon after the death of another elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
Atiku noted that Clark was “a Trojan war horse in the battlefields for independence” and a passionate advocate for true federalism, equity, and good governance. He praised the late leader’s commitment to championing the rights of minority ethnic groups in Nigeria and his unwavering fight for justice.
“Clark spoke loudly and worked assiduously in support of inclusiveness, especially for the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. He was fiery, fearless, and forthright in his peaceful and constitutional pursuit of an egalitarian society in our country,” Atiku stated.
He acknowledged that Clark’s vision for a just and fair Nigeria had not yet been fully realized but pledged that those he mentored would continue his legacy.
