Dignitaries yesterday bade farewell to Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as he was laid to rest.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, among others, were at his Kiagbodo, Delta State hometown.
Pa Clark died at 98.
Also at the well-attended funeral were: Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, his wife; Ezinne Catherine; former governors Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and Chief Rufus Ada George (Rivers); Regional Development Minister Abubakar Momoh; Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the late Clark as patriotic and a nationalist, just as he expressed sadness over the death.
He 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.”
Jonathan described the deceased as a great nationalist who lived in full validation of human dignity.
The ex-President said: “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.”
Senate President Akpabio 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.
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“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 described the late Ijaw leader as fearless, vocal, bold, assertive and unrelenting in speaking truth to power, adding that Clark never remained silent in the face of abuse of power, corruption, or injustice.
He 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 Goodluck 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, Senator Godswill Akpabio, 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 Edwin Clark, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Delta, Bayelsa, A/Ibom governors to immortalise Clark
As part of efforts to immortalise and actualize a dream of the departed elder statesman, Oborevwori, Diri and Udom pledged the construction of a new memorial Church to replace the aging Church building.
Akpabio and Mohammed donated N50 million each towards the renovation of the existing Church and in support of the Church Building project. Akume pledged to furnish the church with chairs worth N10 million.
Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Rev Cyril Odutemu, anchored his homily on “A good name is better than riches,” quoting from Proverbs 22:1.
He lauded the late Clark’s virtues and called him a champion of integrity and a man of impeccable character.
Highlighting his selfless service, the archbishop noted that he used his legal expertise pro bono to advocate for the poor and vulnerable, adding: “His dedication to justice and integrity earned him the reputation of a true voice for the Niger Delta”.
The cleric expressed worry 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.
Ijaw National Congress (INC) President of the apex Ijaw Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Concil (IYC), the Ijaw Lawyers Forum (ILF) and Jeremiah Fufeyin, were among those who thronged the community.
Born May 25, 1927, Clark died on February 17. He was 97.
