The President General of Orashi National Congress and the National President Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe (JP AP), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and foremost leader of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and the South-South region, Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
The leadership of the Orashi National Congress and the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria described the demise of Clark at the age of 97 on Monday, 17th February, 2025, as announced by his immediate family, as a huge loss to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and other minorities in the country.
“We see late Pa Clark as a great patriot, nationalist, teacher, lawyer, administrator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics, who made immense contributions to the political development and unity of the country.”
“His public service records spanning pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria were legendary, and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment and dedication to nation building.”
“He was a charismatic leader and mentor under whose tutelage prominent socio-political platforms like the Ijaw National Congress (INC), South South Peoples Assembly, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) and the Southern Youth Foundation SYF became strong leading voices for regional and national cohesion built on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.”
“He was a fearless Ijaw man. Pa Clark was a tireless and consistent freedom fighter for minority rights and a powerful advocate for true federalism, resource control, environmental justice, economic development and better living condition for his people in the Niger Delta.”
“In the Niger Delta struggle, some of us learnt and benefitted valuable life lessons at the feet of the departed elder statesman which had helped us a great deal in our lives” Amb. Emeni Ibe stated.
The ONC leader added that Clark’s sharp, magnetic memory and his ability to recall incidents that happened many years ago even in his old age stood him out as a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom, especially his support for the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“We’re profoundly saddened by the passing of a warrior-father and expressed our heartfelt condolences to the Clark’s family, the Ijaw nation and indeed the people of the Niger Delta.”
Amb Emeni Ibe prayed God to grant Pa Clark eternal rest and comfort his family.
