•••Pa.Clark is an example of a man born great, the epitome of a life well spent
By Matthias Ogbagah
WARRI – The Executive Assistant, EA to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Oil & Gas also the immediate past chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketer Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Edafevwotu Akpos has mourned the demise of Renowned Nigerian statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark CFR, CON who passed away on Monday at the age of 97.
Akpos in his condolence message to his immediate family, Delta State, Niger Delta region, and Nigeria as a whole described late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark CFR, CON as “The Last Voice Standing, an Iroko, Icon per excellent and an epitome of a life well spent.
The condolence message reads, “The news of the death of Chief Dr Edwin Clark, CFR, CON, at the ripe age of 97 was received with mixed feelings.
“He has left an unfillable void in the fabric of Nigeria’s history, politics, and good governance.
“He was the Commissioner for Education during the Gen Ogbemudia administration in the defunct Mid West State and pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State when the greatest higher institution south of the Sahara was established.
“Popularly known and addressed as the One Man Council (as indeed he was), it was his lot to transform the dream of establishing a world-class University by the Ogbemudia government into reality- and he did a great job of it!
“As the former Federal Minister of Information under General Yakubu Gowon in 1975, Chief Clark’s impact on Nigeria’s development was immeasurable.
“His unwavering commitment to equity, fairness, and justice, a cross he bore with uncommon pride and courage, is an inspiration to the present generation of Nigerians and a valuable compass to future generations.
“As a dogged patriot and human rights activist, Chief Dr Clark fought tirelessly for fiscal federalism, the unity of the Nigerian nation, and equal opportunities for all citizens at all levels of the nation’s socio-political and economic developments.
“He was an unrepentant and fearless advocate of the rights of the Niger Delta people and took on successive governments in the quest to meet the needs of his people. He was largely successful in attaining these goals.
“Pa. Chief Edwin Clark’s involvement with NADECO (National Democratic Coalition), a pro-democracy group that opposed military rule in the 90s in Nigeria, reflects his commitment to democratic principles and his willingness to challenge authoritarian rule no matter the cost.
“His courage and conviction in standing up for what he believed in, even in the face of adversity earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the nation. You couldn’t just shut him up!
Although it is normal to mourn the death of sages such as the dreaded Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, his traducers in government and political circles will surely heave a sigh of relief of the demise of this ‘political irritant’.
“As we mourn the loss of this GREAT PATRIOT, we take solace in the knowledge that his legacies will continue to inspire and motivate present and future generations of Nigerians as his voice will continue to echo in the strive for a better Nigeria.
“An Iroko tree has indeed fallen; we pray for divine comfort for his family, friends, associates, and all those affected by this significant loss.”
Rest in peace, Chief Dr Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CFR, CON.