Southern Governors Forum Chairman, Dapo Abiodun, mourns Chief Edwin Clark’s death, honoring his lifelong dedication to Nigeria’s progress and the Niger Delta.
Dapo Abiodun, the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who passed away at 97 on Monday.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abiodun described Clark’s passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria, marking the end of an era that will forever be etched in the country’s history. He hailed Clark as one of the most influential leaders from the South-South geopolitical zone, noting that he was a powerful advocate for addressing the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta.
The governor said that Clark’s legacy as a nationalist, educator, legal practitioner, freedom fighter, and advocate for restructuring would never be forgotten. Abiodun added that while the nation mourns his passing, it is comforted by the lasting contributions Clark made throughout his 70 years of distinguished service to Nigeria.
“Chief Clark was a living embodiment of Nigerian history, having lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, independence, and post-independence eras. His life and work were marked by extraordinary courage and progressivism,” Abiodun said.
The governor reflected on Clark’s early political engagement, including his election as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953, his role in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and his time as a member of the West African Students’ Union while studying in London. He also highlighted Clark’s role as a military advisor, cabinet member, and Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.
Abiodun further praised Clark for his contributions to education, particularly his work in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin. He also noted Clark’s founding of Edwin Clark University.
Despite his age, Clark remained vocal in advocating for the restructuring of Nigeria and continued to write letters to state organs about emerging political concerns. Abiodun concluded by honoring Clark’s courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to peace, stating that the nation would deeply miss such a remarkable leader.
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