President Bola Tinubu, the senate president, Mr Godswill Akpabio, the governor of Delta State, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori and other notable Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to the former federal commissioner for information, Mr Edwin Clark who died at the age of 97.
The elder statesman’s passing was announced in a statement issued by Prof College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The statement reads: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Reminiscing on the life and times of the deceased, President Bola Tinubu said history will remember the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) “as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity and true federalism.”
He stated that many generations will remain proud of how Clark’s efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.
“On behalf of the federal government, the President extended his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.
“Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond,” the president said.
He prayed for divine comfort for the family, friends and all those affected by “this significant loss.”
For his part, Akpabio described Clark as a “moral compass,” a “warrior for the Niger Delta,” “a fearless advocate for equity and resource control, and “an unrelenting defender of the oppressed.”
The senate president also said Clark’s dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in the hearts of those who knew him.
“With the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, an era draws to a solemn close. Today, we do not merely mourn the departure of a man; we grieve the fading of a guiding light, a towering statesman whose voice resonated with wisdom, courage, and unshakable love for Nigeria. His was a life of service, a life of conviction, and above all, a life dedicated to justice.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, a renowned statesman, nationalist, and Ijaw leader. His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in the hearts of those who knew him. As a nation, we have lost a true patriot and a champion of justice.
“At 97 years old, Pa Clark stood as a bridge between generations—his life a testament to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Nigeria. From his early days as a councillor to his service as a federal minister, to his revered role as a political father and advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was not just a leader—he was a moral compass, reminding us all of the responsibility that comes with governance.
“He was a warrior for the Niger Delta, a fearless advocate for equity and resource control, and an unrelenting defender of the oppressed. He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty.
“His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion. Beyond his national impact, I remember with deep gratitude his unwavering support for me, especially when I visited to seek his blessing and endorsement in my bid for the Senate Presidency. His counsel was always rooted in wisdom, his encouragement a reflection of his deep commitment to responsible leadership.
“In a moment now filled with sorrowful reflection, I recall that just a week before his passing, I sent emissaries to check on him, never imagining that it would be the last time we would reach out to him in this world. I did not know that he was preparing for a greater journey, leaving behind the toils of this earth for the eternal peace of the better world beyond.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the entire Senate, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, PANDEF, the people and government of Delta State, and every Nigerian who knew and loved him. We take solace in knowing that though he has left this earthly realm, his legacy is indelible. His memory will forever stand as a beacon of hope and courage for generations yet unborn. Rest in perfect peace, dear father, elder statesman, and patriot,” Akpabio said in a statement.
In his tribute, Oborevwori described the deceased PANDEF leader as “bold,” “outspoken,” “fearless,” “a motivator,” and “mentor.”
The governor, who took to his X handle, wrote: “Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model. Chief (Dr) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades. Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervour.
“To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity and justice for the region.
“His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA of Delta State, and the Ijaw nation over this monumental loss. We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came, he saw, and he conquered.”
The governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, expressed his condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family on Clark’s passing, describing the death as “heart-wrenching and tragic.”
In a statement by his media aide, Mr Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of our beloved father and leader, Chief Edwin Clark. Despite his age, he remained active, serving as beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.
“He kept in touch with national issues and did not cease from providing elderly counsel to leaders at various levels, in pursuit of responsible and responsive leadership in Nigeria.”
Fubara also said Clark was a courageous Ijaw leader, nationalist, and freedom fighter who demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the unity of the country and boldly defended the rights of the minorities, especially Niger Deltans.
“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (MBLF), and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
“I pray the Almighty God to grant the repose of his soul and reward his courageous services to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria,” he said.
The former senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Mr Shehu Sani also mourned Chief Clark, describing his as a “restless voice of reason.”
“Chief Edwin Clark; the nation has lost a great and distinguished Elder statesman. He was a champion for the cause of unity, peace, equity and justice. A restless voice of reason. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen,” Sani wrote on his X.
Born in Kiagbodo on May 25, 1927 in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, 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, Clark worked briefly as a school teacher before traveling overseas to earn a law degree.
Clark’s involvement in the political process began during the pre-independence period when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953.
He later joined National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
While a student at Holborn College, he was active in the West African Students’ Union.
After the military coup of January 1966, Clark was among a group of delegates from the Mid-West who opposed any ideas of confederation that were raised at an ad-hoc constitutional conference set up by Gowon in 1966.
The delegation’s mandate was Nigerian unity and when proposals of a loose federation were tabled, the region’s delegates asked for adjournment.
Clark was later appointed Mid-Western commissioner of education and later, finance.
As commissioner for education, he was active in the establishment of a Mid-west College of Technology that became the foundation of the University of Benin.
During the second republic, he was a member of the national executive committee of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was the treasurer of the party in Bendel State (now, in part, Delta State and previously the Mid-Western Region province).
In 1983, he was an elected senator for three months at the twilight of the Shagari administration.
Beginning in 1996, Clark has been a self-described leader of the Ijaw nation. He supported the Ijaw ethnic group in Delta State during an ethnic crisis in Warri and has led Ijaw leadership delegations to meet political leaders.
He was the founder of Edwin Clark University which was established in 2015.
