Shettima, Ibori, More Govs, Senate, Others Pay Glowing Tributes to Late Edwin Clark

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late leader of the Ijaw Nation and the South-south, Chief Edwin Clark, who died on Monday in Abuja at the age of 97.

Shettima: He Had Significant Influence on Nigeria

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has described the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria, likening his death to the giant Iroko tree falling in the forest.

In a condolence message, the vice-president said the renowned nationalist and Ijaw national leader had a significant influence on Nigeria’s national discourse spanning over six decades, particularly on issues of resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta region.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, describing the late Chief Clark as a distinguished patriot and a fearless advocate for justice and equity.

“When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” he said.

Shettima recalled his advocacy for restructuring, which he said often put him at odds with various administrations but earned him respect across political divides.

“Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency.

“The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller whose interventions consistently redirected our national conversation toward justice and inclusivity,” he further stated.

Mutfwang: He Was Pillar of Wisdom, Courage

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Clark, describing him as a pillar of wisdom and courage.

In a condolence message, Mutfwang further described Clark as a selfless leader, a father figure, and a beacon of hope, whose immeasurable contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and national discourse would continue to inspire generations.

He noted that the late statesman lived a fulfilled life marked by patriotism, integrity, and resilience, particularly in championing equity, justice, and inclusive governance.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press, Gyang Bere, the governor said, “With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, the South-South geopolitical zone, and all Nigerians mourning the departure of this distinguished elder statesman.

“The passing of Chief Edwin Clark is an irreplaceable loss, not only to his family and Delta State but also to the entire South-South region and Nigeria as a whole. He was a pillar of wisdom, courage, and steadfast commitment to national unity.”

Makinde: Clark Was a Nationalist of Repute

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described Chief Edwin Clark, as a nationalist of great repute, who loved Nigeria with all his heart and worked for a better Nigeria till his last moment.

Makinde, who stated this yesterday in statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, condoled with the immediate family of the late Chief Clark, the government and people of Delta State and, indeed, all patriotic Nigerians with whom Clark walked shoulder to shoulder to agitate for reforms that would bring about true federalism in the last few decades.

The governor prayed to God to grant the Clark family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ibori: He Was a Fearless Fighter, Federalist

A former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, describing him as a fearless fighter and true federalist.

According to Ibori, “Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (E. K. Clark) was a fearless fighter, a staunch federalist, and an exceptional leader of our time.

“He never hesitated to speak the truth when it mattered most, serving as a moral compass for the Ijaw Nation, Delta State, and Nigeria at large.

“In him burned the true spirit of the Niger Delta—courage, determination, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

“His leadership was a beacon of hope and resilience, and his passing leaves a profound void. We will sorely miss his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering voice. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Gbemre: Clark Was An Institution

A prominent Niger Delta activist, Olorogun Zik Gbemre, described Chief Clark as an institution and leader of the South-South, who would be sorely missed for his fearless advocacy.

Gbemre, in a statement, said Clark was a pride of Ijaw and Urhobo Nations, where he paternally hailed from Kiagbodo and maternally from Erhuwharen in Ughievwen Kingdom both in Burutu and and Ughelli South LGAs of Delta State.

“Pa E.K Clark who has passed, Monday night 17th February 2025, was a household name, an institution himself and foremost leader of South-South.

“Paternally from Kiagbodo an Ijaw town of Burutu LGA and maternally from Erhuwaren town of Ughievwen in Ughelli South LGA. Pa Clark was a great man and will be missed by people of the South South, especially for his fearless advocacy in Nigeria.

“He was known for being outspoken. Whenever any administration was taking any decision being it at the national or state level on the South-South, they were always mindful of Clark’s reaction, like what would E.K Clark say if the decision was unfavourable to the South-South people?”

Mulade:  He Was Fearless Advocate for N’Delta Devt 

Renowned Niger Delta leader and advocate, Comrade Mulade, has described Chief E. K. Clark as a voice for truth, the oppressed, and a fearless advocate for development in the Niger Delta region.

Mulade acknowledged that Clark’s passing was a “big blow,” painful loss, and leaves a huge void, one that would be difficult to fill, emphasizing that his wealth of experience was still greatly needed.

An environmentalist and the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Mulade reflected on Clark’s remarkable contributions to the nation, particularly in the Niger Delta Region, stating that his legacy cannot be forgotten soon.

He praised late Pa Clark as a “fountain of knowledge” and a dynamic leader whose absence will be deeply felt.

Senate Urges FG to Immortalise Clark 

The Senate, yesterday, urged the federal government to immortalise the late Chief Edwin Clark.

The red chamber also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with his family and attend his burial and funeral rites, in recognition of his service as a former senator.

The Senate, during plenary observed a minute silence in his honour and eulogises the late leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who passed away on Monday, at the age of 97.

The resolutions followed a motion titled: “The Demise of Senator (Chief) Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON (May 25, 1927 – February 17, 2025).”

It was sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone.

Thomas enumerated Clark’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and his unwavering commitment to the rights of the Niger Delta people.

Reeling out his long profile, he said, “Pa Edwin Clark was a nationalist, a renowned lawyer, a seasoned administrator, a philanthropist, and an astute advocate for the Niger Delta region.”

Senators in their various contributions commended Clark’s courage and lifelong advocacy for equity and justice:

Senator Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta Central) described Clark as a man who was never afraid to speak truth to power.

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) called Clark an iconic leader who served meticulously, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) commended Clark’s unwavering support for the marginalised.

Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi Central) described Clark as a nationalist and bridge-builder who promoted unity and brotherhood.

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) said, “We lost him at a time when his wise counsel was most needed. He was one of the formidable founding fathers of modern Nigeria.”

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi Central) added that Clark was an inspirational figure across ethnic divides.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged Clark’s relentless advocacy for the rights of minorities and his efforts to unite different regions of the country

He said, “His voice resonated above the age of 90. Whenever he spoke, you could hear the passion in his words about Nigeria.”

PDP Govs Commiserates Clark’s Family

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has sympathised with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo Family of Kiagbodo Town in Delta State over the death of  their father, Edwin Clark.

In a statement by the Director General of the forum, Emmanuel Agbo, they described the late Edwin Clark as an icon, an exceptional sage, a real patriot and elder statesman.

“His unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of Nigeria through true federalism, and his tireless advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta region plagued of environmental pollution and degradation from mineral exploitation, have left an indelible mark on our nation.

”The Ijaw nation has lost its father-figure, an irrepressible voice and their Izon-Ibe Kikilowe – “the Ijaw man who was taking care of the Ijaw tribe.

”Delta State has lost a treasure of inestimable value, a nationalist par excellence, a distinguished patriot, who unrelentingly dedicated his whole life to the service of Deltans.

”The people of the South South will miss matchless contributions to the development of the region by a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

”Niger Deltans will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the region. And as an unpretentious federalist, he left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),” they said. 

IYC Condoles Ijaw Nation over  Clark 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has condoled the Ijaw  nation over the death of Pa Edwin Clark.

IYC President, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, in a statement, said the death of Clark at this time of national reawakening and political realignment towards 2027 where his voice would have resonated to give the Ijaws direction and opinion moulding was highly regrettable.

He described Clark as an honest, fearless, courageous leader, who has spearheaded the Ijaw liberation struggle from pre-colonial to independence and post-independence era speaking against injustice, marginalisation of the minorities in the country particularly people of the Niger Delta.

Alaye urged leaders and the led in the Ijaw nation to emulate the sterling qualities of the departed icon and keep the liberation fire of the Ijaw struggle burning to achieve set goals.