ABUJA—THE Senate has urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency immortalise late former South South Leader, Pa Edwin Clark by naming a national monument after him.
Also Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, Ijaw National Congress, INC, former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Timi Alaibe and Tunde Smooth, the Bolou-owei (Traditional Prime Minister of Niger Delta) have mourned the passing of Pa Clark.
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, Senator Seriake Dickson, His royal Highness, Godspower Okoroma (King of Pobo Kingdom), former Governor James Ibori of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Godsday Orubebe, gormer GMD of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, among others, were, yesterday, at Clark’s Asokoro residence.
This cane as former national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Okwesilieze Nwodo, counsel to Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the death of Clark and Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader as bad news to come at this time, as they always spoke truth to power.
The Senate also resolved to send a strong delegation to commiserate and attend the burial and obsequies (funeral rites) of late Clark by the Nigerian Senate having been a member of these hallowed chambers.
The Senate also observed a minute silence in his honour, just as at plenary, it paid glowing tribute to the late Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, who passed away on February 17, aged 97.
Resolutions of the Senate, yesterday, were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Joel- Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South). It was Co- sponsored by other 16 Senators from the South South.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who noted that Clark did his best to fight for the rights of the minorities across the entire country, said, “So he traversed from Niger Delta to the north and tried to unite them. And he tried his best in a system like Nigeria, with different ethnic groups.
Great Iroko has fallen, VP Shettima grieves Clark’s passing
Vice President Shettima in a condolence message, yesterday, 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.
The Vice President in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said: “When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades.”
Pa Clark was a movement -Minister
Engr. Momoh in a statement in Abuja said the late nonagenarian, was his unofficial adviser, adding that Pa Clark was always willing to offer guidance with a deep sense of patriotism and love for the Niger Delta.
Momoh said Clark’s fearless criticism of injustice and dedication to regional development cemented his place as a champion of the people.
Senator Thomas mourns Clark’s passing
Senator Thomas in a statement, yesterday, said: “With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, I join the people of Delta State, Niger Delta, and indeed the entire nation in mourning the passing of an iconic leader, a revered elder statesman, and a father to me, Pa Clark.
“Pa Clark was more than a political leader, he was a teacher, a headmaster, a mentor, a guiding light, a fearless fighter and a father figure to me in every sense of the word. He served our dear nation meritoriously as a Senator in 1983 during the old Bendel State, a Commissioner for Education in Midwest region, and Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information during General Yakubu Gowon regime. I am currently wearing one of his big shoes as the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District.
“His wisdom, courage, and firm commitment to the cause of the Niger Delta people as the convener and esteemed leader of PANDEF were unparalleled”.
Clark’s death, irreplaceable loss – Asagba of Asaba
The Asagba in a condolence message in Asaba, said the transition of the sage was a personal loss to him and his family.
He said he had known the late nonagenarian and prominent politician for over three decades and learned a lot from him, especially his strong character, personality, courage and conviction.
The monarch noted that Clark would not be forgotten in a hurry for his vocal advocacy for the rights of the Niger Delta people, which helped to engender peace and stability in the oil-rich region, and for being a strong critic to corruption and bad governance in the country.
We have lost a voice –INC, Alaibe mourn Clark.
INC’s President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described the demise of Pa Clark as a huge loss to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta.
He said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved leader – the Chairman Board of Trustees (INC), Pa Clark. INC declares three days of mourning starting from mid-night February 18, 2025, to honour his memory and legacy. We call on all Ijaw people around the world to fly the Ijaw National Flag at half-mast during this period. Let us come together to celebrate the life and achievements of this iconic figure, who dedicated his life to the advancement of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region.”
Clark’s death shocking –Tunde Smooth
Smooth in a statement in Warri, Delta State, said the death of Clark came as a shock to Nigerians, Niger Deltans and particularly the Ijaw Nation.
The Chairman, SMU-TUNS Nigeria Limited, noted that Clark’ has left an indelible legacy considering his immense contribution to the peace, growth and stability of the country.
“ Clark was a pillar and a strong voice. His leadership was exemplary and impactful. He will be missed for what he represent.”
Clark’s, Adebanjo’s death was bad news to come at this time -Okwesilieze Nwodo, Wabara, IPoB Counsel
Nwodo, described Clark’s death as bad news for Nigeria.
“ Clark’s death is very bad news to come at this time. His death follows shortly after the departure of Ayo Adebanjo. These were two great leaders who always spoke truth to power. They have seen it all and therefore, have a lot to offer in terms of the way forward for our country. Losing these two great elder statesmen at this time is a huge loss to our country. Their departure is too big a vacuum to be easily filled.
“ First of all, I wish their immediate families heartfelt condolences and I pray God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. I equally condole with the Federal Republic of Nigeria because their passing on constitutes a national loss.”
Paying his tribute, counsel to IPOB, Ejiofor, in Owerri, Imo State, said: “With deep sorrow, I mourn the passing of two towering figures in Nigeria’s history, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Clark. These revered statesmen embodied courage, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to justice, democracy, and equity.
Their demise is an irreplaceable loss, not only to the Yoruba and Niger Delta communities
but to all Nigerians and beyond, particularly those who cherish truth and fairness.
“Pa Adebanjo and Pa Clark were not just political leaders; they were moral compasses and fearless advocates who championed the cause of justice with steadfast resolve. Through decades of unwavering activism, they provided clarity and leadership during critical moments in our nation’s history, inspiring generations with their principled stand on national unity and good governance.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to their families, the Afenifere and PANDEF communities, and all who had the privilege of knowing and learning from them. While we grieve their passing, we take solace in the exemplary lives they led – lives defined by honor, truth, and the relentless pursuit of a just society.”
Senator Wabara in a condolence message to the family of the late elder statesman, said: “It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Pa Clark, a father, mentor, and true statesman whose unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and national unity, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.
“Pa Clark was not just a leader; he was a beacon of wisdom and courage. His dedication to the cause of the Niger Delta, his passionate advocacy for good governance, and his lifelong service to our great nation were a testament to his unwavering belief in a better Nigeria.
“His voice was loud, and his presence commanded respect across generations. His departure is a profound loss, not just to his family but to all of us who were privileged to know and learn from him.”
By Damilola Adeleke | February 20, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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