Nigerian governors have expressed their heartfelt tribute over the death of prominent national Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark.
Clark’s demise was announced in a statement released by his family on Tuesday morning.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, he worked briefly as a schoolteacher before traveling abroad to earn a law degree.
“He worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, between 1966 and 1975. In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Midwestern Region province, David Ejoor, and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.
“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”
Rendering their tribute, the chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, also noted that Clark was an upright and relentless advocate for fairness, and whose contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse earned him admiration and respect.
“Chief Edwin Clark was an advocate for the rights of the downtrodden and a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. His commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great repute. His demise is a profound loss, not just to the South-South but to the entire country,” the statement partly read.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, stated that Clark lived as a beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.
“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum and as leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum,” Fubara said.
In his tribute, Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, lauded Clark as an unpretentious federalist who gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, stated the nation has lost one of the ‘last icons of a generation’ in Nigeria’s history.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, through his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, noted that Clark was a distinguished nationalist, an unwavering advocate for justice, and a pillar of wisdom whose immense contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development will never be forgotten.
“Throughout his life, Chief Clark remained a voice of reason, a defender of equity, and a symbol of integrity in public service. His steadfast commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria inspired generations, and his legacy as an elder statesman will continue to guide us in the pursuit of national harmony and development,” Mohammed said.
Speaking, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri said the Ijaw nation has lost a father figure and an irrepressible voice.
