Lagos: Some eminent Nigerians on Thursday celebrated the life and achievements of Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Niger Delta leader, who passed away on February 17, aged 97. Speaking at ‘A Day of Tributes’, organised in his honour in Lagos, they described Clark as a true nationalist who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in his tribute, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun, said Clark was a father who provided direction for others, adding that his legacies would endure for a long time. Daniel emphasized that Clark’s dedication to equity earned him respect across Nigeria’s political spectrum. “Chief Clark was a prominent Nigerian nationalist and Ijaw leader; a statesman whose career spanned over six decades. He was a staunch advocate of the rights of the Niger Delta people and a vocal promoter of national unity, justice, and liberty,” he said.
In her tribute, Dr. Nike Akande, a former Minister of Industry and immediate past president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described Clark as a highly intelligent leader and a philanthropist par excellence. She also commended Clark’s widow, Abisola, for being a pillar of support to the family. “Chief Clark touched many lives in many positive ways, including mine. He had a lot of interest in the Nigerian project. He believed in Nigeria and talked about the country all the time,” she said.
Also speaking, Dame Pauline Tallen, a former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, remarked that Clark was the spokesperson for the marginalized and fought for justice. “We share in his loss. He served well, lived well fighting for the truth. He spoke truth to power. We are not mourning him, we are celebrating him because he was a great man,” Tallen said.
Elder Solomon Asemota, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians, noted that Clark did a lot for the country. “E.K. Clark was a democrat; he believed in democracy. He was a great politician. He understood human nature,” Asemota said.
Sen. Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, in his goodwill message, said that Clark was passionate about true federalism and the marginalized in society. Mbata, represented by Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, stated that the group would always remember Clark for all he stood for.
A Niger Delta Leader, Chief Joseph Eva, applauded Clark’s commitment to the development of Nigeria, stating that his followers would not do anything contrary to what he stood for. Eva described Clark as a great defender of the Niger Delta and the country’s unity. “The Niger Delta will not do anything to break this country but unite it; this is what Clark stood for,” he said.
Delivering a lecture on true federalism and resource control in Nigeria, a member of the Patriots, Chief Fafaa Princewill, criticized the country’s governance structure as faulty and called for a total overhaul of the nation’s constitution. “If things are not working, then we have to go back to the rules. Pa Clark lived and touched many lives, and we will not deviate from what he stood and died for,” Princewill said.
In his sermon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the Senior Pastor of the Trinity Church, noted that Clark served his generation well, saying his name would never be forgotten. Ighodalo urged leaders to serve and live for the people like Clark did.
Clark’s widow, Abisola, while commending the organisers of the programme for honouring her deceased husband, said Clark lived for the progress of Nigeria and would forever be missed.
