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Tag: Chief Edwin Clark

  • Clark was an advocate for democracy, justice, says Ebie

    Clark was an advocate for democracy, justice, says Ebie

    The chairman of the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Chiedu Ebie, has mourned the passage of the foremost Niger Delta leader and nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark.

    He said Clark was a compassionate advocate for democracy, social justice, and national restructuring, who dedicated his life to these causes over several decades.

    The late Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and revered leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died on Monday at 96.

    In a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Jerome Utomi, Ebie condoled with the family.

    Read Also: Senate queries funding of MOFI with N150bat FMBN’s expense

    He noted that though he lived a glorious and fulfilling life and typifies a patriot who unflinchingly contributed immensely to nation-building, Clark’s death is a colossal loss to the people of the Ijaw nation, Niger Deltans, and Nigerians as a whole.

    Ebie, a Delta State former Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government described the late Pa Clark as a man of many parts and a farsighted leader who will be remembered for his tremendous contributions to governance, education, regional advocacy, enduring impact especially through the institutions he built and the causes he championed, and his legacies.

    “As a teacher, lawyer, humanist, philanthropist, and Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Midwestern Region between 1972 and 1975, the Kiagbodo, Delta State born late Pa Clark impacted his world and left his mark in the sands of history.

    “During this period, he served with my late father, Professor John Ebie, whose portfolio was Health in the same cabinet.

    “It is with nostalgia that I recall this period when our families melted together.

    ‘’In retirement, he was never tired as his love for a united Nigeria and the quest for a significantly developed Niger Delta region propelled him, with his development-minded colleagues, to birth so many groups aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance at all levels of government in Nigeria.”

    While the statement observes that as a philanthropist, Pa Clark reportedly founded the Edwin Clark Foundation, which focuses on supporting education and social development, contributing to the upliftment of many communities and individuals, Ebie stressed that in line with promoting human capital development, the Niger Delta leader established Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Delta State in 2015 aimed at providing higher education opportunities in his home state and the nation in general.

    “The entire Niger Delta Region, on the one hand, and Governing Board, Management, and staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will surely miss his fatherly advice.

    “On behalf of my family, members of the Governing Board, and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it is my prayer that God grants him eternal rest and gives his family the fortitude to bear this huge and irreparable loss,” Ebie added.

  • BREAKING: Chief Edwin Clark dies at 97

    BREAKING: Chief Edwin Clark dies at 97

    The Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, is dead.

    The family confirmed his demise in a terse statement.

    The former National Commissioner died at 97. 

    The statement was signed by his brother Prof. C. C. Clark and son Penawei Clark for the children.

    Read Also: 18 things to know about late Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark

    The statement reads: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON  on Monday 17th February , 2025. 

    “The family appreciates your prayers at this time.

    “Other details will be announced later by the family.”

    Details shortly…

  • Okomiso mourns Pa Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark

    Okomiso mourns Pa Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark

    A former governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Cross River State, Chief Patrick Okomiso, has mourned the demise of Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebayo and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

    Pa Adebanjo passed on Friday, February 14, 2025 in Lagos at the age of 96 just as Chief Clark passed away in Abuja on Monday February 17 at the age of 97.

    Okomiso in a statement on Tuesday said the passing of the two great leaders was a great blow to the country.

    He described them as leaders par excellence, who always spoke their mind for the good of the country and said their wisdom and guidance would be sorely missed.

    He described Pa Adebanjo as a relentless advocate for democracy, justice, and national unity.

    He said Adebanjo’s passing would leave a void in the nation’s political landscape. 

    Read Also: 94-year-old man registers for 2025 UTME to study political science in UI

    “Pa Adebanjo was a courageous leader who dedicated his life to the principles of true federalism, social justice, and good governance.

    “Pa Edwin Clark was a good leader and elderstatesman. It would be difficult for us to find somebody in the South-South that can lead like him. He was a selfless leader. Who listened to everybody. He was bold. At 98 he has done well. Let us work hard to repair this country in honour of the legacy he spent his life building.,”Okomiso said.

    He said their deaths call for a moment of reflection for the country.

    “It’s unfortunate that these two men left at the same time. So we need to think about where we are taking our country,” he said.

    He prayed God for the peaceful repose of their souls.

  • Clark hails Tinubu, Fubara over peaceful Rivers LG elections

    Clark hails Tinubu, Fubara over peaceful Rivers LG elections

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has hailed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State over the peaceful conclusion of the Rivers State Local Government elections.

    The Fubara-backed Action Peoples Party won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance candidate won one seat in the controversial election held on Saturday.

    Clark in a statement on Monday, October 7, hailed the outcome of the poll despite the boycott of the ruling party and the main opposition parties in the state.

    The police also boycott the poll citing the Court ruling.

    The statement reads in part: “I am particularly glad that the citizens of the state turned out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

    “This achievement, despite the deliberate boycott of the police from participating in the elections, demonstrates that the people of Rivers State, and indeed, Nigerians as a whole, are mature and patriotic enough to conduct elections and manage their affairs without interference from the police.

    Read Also: I acted to salvage Rivers, says Fubara

    “This is a significant and commendable development because there has never been any election, be it presidential, state, or local government, where the security agencies, particularly the police, were not involved, with significant amounts of public funds expended.

    “The fact that a statewide Local Government election can be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner without the loss of lives and destruction of property is a remarkable experience.

    “How do we reconcile this with the recent governorship election in a neighboring Edo State, where over 40,000 officers and men of the Nigerian police force were deployed, at a huge cost to the government, followed by complaints and contestations at different levels?

    “I suggest that the Federal Government, and indeed, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should thoroughly examine this development with a view to finding ways to reduce the high electoral expenditures in the country.

    “In a very special way, my hearty congratulations go to all the newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors of the respective Local Government Councils in Rivers State for their success in the polls. This is an affirmation of the confidence that the people of Rivers State in the various communities have in them.

    “I want to thank His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for creating the atmosphere for the conduct of credible elections and for the excellent arrangements that were made. At the same time, I also thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces of  Federal Republic of Nigeria, for ensuring that the various security agencies exercised due restraint which aided the successful outcome of the polls.

    “To the delight of all patriotic Nigerians, this has brought great relief, despite the attempts by unpatriotic elements who did all within their powers to frustrate the democratic process. Regrettably, some unscrupulous elements of respected national institutions such as the Nigerian Police almost fell to their unwholesome and undemocratic plot.

    “With this successful election, I call on all the people of Rivers State to come together and ensure that peace and development reign in the State, now and in the years ahead. Enough of unending troubles and distractions.”

  • Rivers crisis: Call Wike to order, Clark tells Ganduje, Damagum

    Rivers crisis: Call Wike to order, Clark tells Ganduje, Damagum

    Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark has urged the national chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, and his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum to call the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to order.

    Clark said the minister’s recent statement in Rivers state was capable of throwing the state into crisis.

    Wike had said he enjoyed getting them (obviously referring to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara) that they can make mistakes that will cause them problems.

    The former national commissioner in the letter reminded the leaders of the two major political parties in the country of the consequences of allowing Rivers state to boil

    He said both leaders cannot feign Ignorance of the activities of the FCT minister in Rivers.

    He warned that Ganduje and Damagum needed to curb the excesses of Wike “to avoid the dangerous crisis facing Rivers state, one of the most important states producing the resources used to sustain the economy of this country.

    “I hope you do not forget that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the deep seaport of Onne are very well established in Rivers State.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: Sheath your swords, Ijaw youth counsel Wike, Fubara

    “How can the federal government and the two main political parties allow an individual to disrupt and cause confusion, and harassment of the democratically elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara on the guise that he alone and not the people of Rivers State made Fubara Governor, in his provocative and inciting statement?

    He added: “Nyesom Wike aggressively boasted that nobody can remove the member representing Ogu-Bolo Constituency.

    “Therefore one is tempted to guess what this dangerous, diabolical, and mischievous politician can do to breach the constitution and cause a breakdown in law and order in the country.

    “He is not in a position to amend section 109 (1g) of the constitution and he is not in a position to undermine the Supreme Court judgment which has now been firmly accepted as precedent, which binds all Courts in Nigeria.”

    He also stressed: “The support given to Nyesom Wike by both party Chairmen has made him courageous enough to intimidate and anger the Rivers State Governor and Government and this is seen as an act to overthrow the duly elected Governor, which is criminal.

    “Finally, I am therefore appealing to you, in the interest of peace and stability in Nigeria to disassociate yourselves from the diabolical and mischievous plan by Wike for no just cause to bring down the Government of his successor, Governor Fubara. I strongly advise both of you to retrace your steps and take charge of your political parties in Rivers State and not leave it Damagum.”

  • Your sincerity to conduct free, fair elections in doubt, Clark tells commission

    Ijaw national leader and elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has queried the sincerity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

    Clark, who is also the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), spoke to reporters yesterday in his Kiagbodo country home, after reading a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu,.

    He raised questions about the manner and timing of the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday, as well as matters surrounding the commission’s contractor saddled with the responsibility of producing sensitive election materials.

    According to him, the INEC Chairman had not done a good job while answering some of the questions posed to him since he called off the elections last weekend.

    The Ijaw leader added that the INEC chief still, among other things, need to explain to Nigerians and the world what the commission is doing with a card-carrying member of the ruling party as its contractor, producing materials for an election himself and other members of his party would take part in.

    Clark said: “On Saturday during the meeting with all the stakeholders, questions were being asked and he said they almost slept at the airport in Abuja because the weather was unfavourable, I should have agreed with you saying it also happened to me, but the Minister for Aviation faulted INEC Chairman that the weather was favourable and clear.

    “He further went on that the airport operations were directed to work for 24 hours. So, one has been wondering what happened. Then the national chairman of the APC asked series of questions, but unfortunately, he did not give all the answers to the questions Oshiomhole asked.

    Read also: Falana advises Armed Forces against intimidating voters

    “But worse still, the PDP representative asked the chairman that there is a man that is an APC card carrier and is contesting a senatorial position in Niger State. The answer was, yes, the man works with us satisfactory since 2011.

    “At that junction, I decided to put something down, which should come out before Saturday. I was one of those active members, who took on this man in 2015, when there was contest between Jonathan and the present President Buhari.

    “There are questions that need to be answered. If the two major candidates are condemning INEC, who then gave the order to INEC to act? That means there must be something missing.

    “We have been told that it is a process, it does not start overnight on Saturday. Manipulation of election starts with the preparation of the election. It could be two years ago. If this man is working for them, and is a member of the APC, do you not believe that he must have done something to favour the APC?

    “Having regard to all these, it will be very difficult to say that the election will be free, fair and credible”, he said.

  • Your sincerity to conduct free, fair and credible elections in doubt, Clark tells INEC

    Ijaw national leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has raised questions about the sincerity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible 2019 elections.

    Chief Clark, who is also the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who spoke after reading from a letter addressed to the Chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to journalists in his Kiagbodo country home on Wednesday, raised questions about the manner and timing of the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections last Saturday, as well as matters surrounding the commission’s contractor saddled with the responsibility of producing election sensitive materials.

    According to him, the INEC chairman had not done a good job answering some of the questions posed to him since he called off the elections last weekend, adding that the chief elections umpire stills, among other things, to explain to Nigerians and the world what the commission is still doing with a card-carrying member of the ruling party as its contractor, producing materials for an election himself and other members of his party would take part in.

    “On Saturday during the meeting with all the stakeholders, questions were being asked and he said they almost slept at the airport in Abuja because the weather was unfavourable, I should have agreed with you saying it also happened to me but the minister for aviation faulted INEC chairman that the weather was favourable and clear.

    Read also: Elections: FG declares Friday public holiday, excludes bankers

    “He further went on that the airport operations were directed to work for 24hours, so one has been wondering what happened. Then the national chairman of the APC asked series of questions, but unfortunately, he did not give all the answers to the questions Oshiomhole asked.

    “But worse still, the PDP representative, asked the chairman that there is a man that is an APC card carrier and is contesting a senatorial position in Niger State, the answer was, yes, the man works with us satisfactory since 2011.

    “At that junction, I decided to put something down which should come out before Saturday. I was one of those active members who took on this man in 2015 when there was contest between Jonathan and the present President Buhari.

    “There are questions that need to be answered. If the two major candidates are condemning INEC, who then gave the order to INEC to act? That means there must be something missing. But he has assured us that the elections will be free, fair and credible, so I’m not suggesting that the elections will not be free, fair and credible if Nigerians actually.

    “We have been told that it is a process, it does not start overnight on Saturday, manipulation of election starts with the preparation of the election. It could be two years ago. If this man is working for them, and is a member of the APC, do you not believe that he must have done something to favour the APC? It is morally unjustifiable and that.

    “Having regard to all these, it will be very difficult to say that the election will be free, fair and credible”, he said.

  • Election: Why INEC should take charge of security control – Clark

    First Republic Information Commissioner, Chief Edwin Clark, Monday said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should take charge of the deployment of security personnel during the February and March elections.

    Clark in statement entitled “INEC should take responsibility for management and control of 2019 electoral security in Nigeria” noted that the electoral body should be in charge of police personnel posted for election duties.

    He said that INEC should sit down with the police authority to work out the number of police personnel needed to cover the elections.

    Read Also:Dickson condemns Badeh’s killing, mourns Clark’s son

    The elder statesman insisted that if INEC takes charge of police posting “this method will avert the system of direct posting whereby the Nigeria Police Force will just wake up on the eve of election, to announce, that it has deployed 30 thousand Police personnel or so and so number, to a State to provide security during election.”

    Clark said, “As we approach the general elections, there is need to lend one’s voice to ensuring that a peaceful, free, fair and credible election is conducted by INEC.

    “Shortly before the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris left office, I watched a programme where there was an argument of who should be in control of Police personnel posted to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), during elections between him and the INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    “Whilst the former IGP was of the opinion that the Police should be in charge, the INEC Chairman thought otherwise, stating that INEC ought to be in charge.

    “Recently, there has been an over bearing attitude of state actors, especially officials of the Nigeria Police Force in political affairs.

    “As free citizen of this country, I think we have had enough of Police interference in electoral affairs.

    “Therefore, as we approach the 2019 General Elections, there is need to put up measures to check the activities of some politicians and officials of the Police Force, who will collude with them.

    “Therefore, I want to align myself with the INEC Chairman that INEC should be in charge of police personnel posted to it during elections.

    “Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan signed into Law Section 29 (3) of the Principal Act as Amended which states that:

    “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for purposes of securing the vote, the Commission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in the manner determined by the Commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies:

    “Provided that the Commission shall only request for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces only for the purposes of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials”.

    “The Nigeria Police Force and INEC should sit down for INEC to work out how many police personnel it will require to conduct the election nationwide.

    “If there is any misconduct, let INEC be the body to call them to take care of the issue.

    “In order to ensure that security personnel remain neutral, I am proposing the India model of conducting elections.

    “In India many of the organisations that work during elections, are led by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

    “The national Indian Police Force called the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and the State Armed Police (SAP) Force, join together to provide adequate security and monitoring during elections, although the CAPF is the main body; they are under the control of the ECI. And both forces maintain absolute neutrality and conduct themselves in line with the demands of the ECI. At the end of the elections, the ECI pays them and in fact rewards those of them who perform well.

    “It must be remembered that India is the largest democracy in the world with a population of over 1.3 billion and an electorate of over 863 million.

    “It uses this method of the electoral body controlling the Police Personnel posted to it during elections, and that is the reason why Indian election is largely free, fair and credible.

    “This method will avert the system of direct posting whereby the Nigeria Police Force will just wake up on the eve of election, to announce, that it has deployed 30 thousand Police personnel or so and so number, to a State to provide security during election.

    “Whether these personnel are on ground or not, nobody knows, whether they are up to the numbers quoted, nobody knows. The payments made to security personnel who work during elections by the ECI, are in public domain.

    “There is so much tension, fear and apprehension concerning the forth coming General Election ranging from the activities of security agencies to the activities of some government agencies.

    “However, one feels some respite with the “bond” of Mr. President in his Christmas Message to the Country when he said “My avowed commitment to free, fair credible and violence-free polls is not ruse or yet another vain political promise. My word is my bond”.

    “We want to believe that he will keep to this vow, because so far nothing seems to indicate that this noble vow will be kept by State actors.

    “A writer once said that ‘Political parties come and go, but nationalities remain.”

  • PANDEF opposes proposed sale of OML 25 oil field by Shell

    Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on Monday opposed the planned sale of Belema oil field, OML 25,  by Shell Petroleum Development Company to Chrester Nigeria Ltd.

    PANDEF insisted on the divestment of the oil field to an indigenous firm, saying it would resist moves by the multinational oil company to sell it to a foreign corporate entity.

    Addressing newsmen in Abuja on the contentious oil field, Clark asked the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgent priority, grant Niger Delta indigenes and the Niger Delta State Governments who are interested, the right of first refusal in the renewal and award of oil licenses.

    He said this, would positively and rapidly impact on the social and economic prosperity of the region and the country as a whole, and  hugely contribute to the peace and security in the Niger Delta.

    He  further stated that PANDEF would no longer allow oil companies to treat Niger Delta people like their slaves and the region like a toxic dumping ground without taking responsibility.

    He accused SPDC of instigating an attack by soldiers on Kula kingdom, Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State on September 15, 2018.

    The PANDEF leader called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to direct the Chief of Defense Staff and the National Security Adviser, to set up a high-powered investigative panel to uncover those behind the deployment of the naval gunboats to the OML 25 host communities in Kula Kingdom.

    Clark said: “SPDC must therefore put on hold any planned sale of OML 25 in the overall interest of peace and stability of the Niger Delta Region.

    “SPDC must produce the report of pre-environmental impact assessment carried out before their operations and post-impact assessment to determine the state of the environment.”

    It further stated, “This will be done in partnership with UN Environmental Protection Agency, the communities, the State and the Federal Government environmental agencies, PANDEF and SPDC.”

    Clark accused SPDC of failing to honour its agreement with the host communities of OML 25, noting that it instead sold some of the flow stations in 2014 and was presently planning to sell the Belema Gas Station to Chrester Nigeria Ltd.

    The Ijaw leader said, “Over the years, International Oil Companies exemplified by Shell have not only exploited the resources and degraded our lands; they are also taking advantage of the people, inducing unnecessary crisis and conflicts.”

    “Host communities of OML 25, otherwise known as Belema, Offinama, Ngeje, Kilama, Diaba, Okoama, amongst others and the entire Kula Kingdom have resolved that SPDC must divest OML 25 to an indigenous firm.”

  • Saraki: Nigeria needs vibrant, youthful President to develop

    •     Senate president condemns killing of aid worker in Borno

    The Senate President and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant Bukola Saraki has said Nigeria cannot develop except with a vibrant, youthful and full-time President.

    The Senate president said even developed democracies now rush for energetic, vibrant, focused and capable youthful leaders to have an edge over other countries.

    Saraki spoke on Monday night during his visit to Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum at the home of Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, in Asokoro, Abuja.

    The Senate president expressed worry that Nigeria had become disunited without good leadership capacity.

    According to him, there is insensitivity and impunity all over the country.

    He said: “Where we are as a country today is too serious for us to take lightly. The Nigeria that we have today has never been so disunited. When you go to many parts of the country, people will tell you, ‘Do I truly belong? Are we part of this country called Nigeria?’

    “On top of that, over a number of years, we have seen series of impunity. People are not held accountable. There is no inclusiveness in government. There is insensitivity and lack of empathy. These are big issues…

    “So, the first thing that is key to us is how to unite this country. What kind of President can unite this country?

    “These are the issues that are driving suspicion, pulling us apart. Anything else we talk, development, among others, can’t happen unless we bring everybody back.

    “As such, he must somebody who can represent, somebody in any part of the country can say ‘I think he represents Nigeria’;  ‘I think he will be fair to me, whether I’m a Christian or Muslim’ or ‘I think he will be fair to me, whether I’m a northerner or southerner’. That gives us an opportunity of a platform to move forward.”

    He added: “Secondly, more importantly, I think what has been one of our major problem is capacity. I think over the years we have voted on sentiments. We have left capacity and ability and used sentiments to decide who leads us. That is why we are where we are today.

    “But we need s President who has the capacity, has the vision that can drive and perform.”

    Without capacity on the part of the leadership, he said, that Nigeria cannot progress even though God has continued to be blessed the nation.

    “There is no country that can provide for its people, take them out of poverty the way we are going about it.”

    Also, Saraki condemned the killing of a humanitarian worker from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, by Boko Haram terrorists.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate president noted that the killing represents a new low by Boko Haram insurgents.

    He urged the military to rescue Leah Sharibu and the other two Red Cross workers still in Boko Haram captivity.

    Saraki said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, the 25-year-old female international aid worker who was abducted and killed by Boko Haram.

    “Such horrific actions have no place in Nigeria. I join all Nigerians and the international community in condemning this killing in the strongest possible terms.

    “The killing of aid workers, who choose to go into trouble spots in Nigeria and around the world represents a new low by the insurgents, as humanitarian workers are some of the most courageous and selfless people on the planet.

    “Additionally, the continued abduction of the late Saifura’s ICRC colleagues, Hauwa and Alice, by the militants, alongside the captivity of the young Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, must end.”