ON February 17, a foremost leader of the Ijaw Nation, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (OFR, CON), bid the world farewell. Although he died at 97, his exit was received with shock by many Nigerians. That was not fortuitous: Clark had practically become a conscience of the nation and moral compass for the younger generation. The deep respect he commanded among his compatriots arose from his enviable contributions to nation building and his capacity for endurance, consistency and courage. Clark was a beacon of hope and confidence. He believed that through resilience, courage and compassion, the society could be transformed.
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo in present-day Delta State, Clark was a politician, prodigious writer, teacher, educationist, philanthropist and lawyer. He began his career as a teacher before pursuing a law degree abroad. He was called to the Bar in England. His adventures in politics began very early in life when he served as a councillor during the pre-independence era. He was made Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon. Previously, he had served as the Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region under the late Governor Samuel Ogbemudia. Clark facilitated the founding of educational institutions that laid the foundation for future generations. He founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established the Edwin Clark University in his hometown as part of his commitment to empowering people.
As an elder statesman, Clark was at the vanguard of the advocacy for ‘true federalism’, resource control and the birth of mass-based organisations reflective of the diversity of Nigeria. His undisguised commitment to righting most of the wrongs that had befallen the Niger Delta and caused volatility in the region gave rise to the emergence of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). He also played a remarkable role in the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Amnesty Programme as a double-edged solution to militancy in the Niger Delta. In particular, that latter move, as subsequent developments were to show, paid off handsomely, helping to restore calm to the region, with unquantifiably positive effects on the beleaguered Nigerian economy. Clark’s unrelenting efforts in the fight against injustice and malfeasance in public office complemented his dogged pursuit and commitment to values that further united Nigeria and preserved its sovereignty.
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Throughout his lifetime, Clark was unequivocal in speaking truth to power. Rather than pretending about his convictions, Clark spoke out whenever he saw injustice and impunity, regardless of the personality involved in any section of Nigeria. Nonetheless, since, as they say, charity begins at home, his emotional attachment to his roots was never in doubt. Clark had a no-nonsense attitude and frequently harped on the cardinal duty of the state to the citizenry. He once rhetorically queried: “Why should I be afraid to speak on issues that will lead to the nation’s development? Posterity will vindicate me.” Until he breathed his last, Clark was consistent in his actions and advocacy. He was dogged in his campaign for equity, justice and fairness. This was amply demonstrated in the way he championed the demand for federalism based on the peculiarities of the peoples of Nigeria. Clark equally stood firm in championing the cause of the ethnic minorities towards achieving national stability through inclusiveness and patriotism. His alignment with like minds in the bid to build a national consensus and create bridges of understanding via the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBL) was one of such pragmatic engagements.
As one of the surviving political titans of the first generation of leaders, Clark could not be ignored for decades through his candid views, propositions on curious state policies and programmes, as well as adroit attachment to philanthropic activities and unapologetic devotion to dynamism. Thus, he became a legend and hero of the people of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation, in particular. It is hoped that the principles, vision and character that Clark espoused on nation building, leadership and governance will be embraced by generations to come. Remarkably, Clark was effusive about gratitude to his Maker for the grace that enabled him to record resounding successes and achievements in his lifetime. He was quite colourful on that score when he clocked 90 years as he emphatically declared: “At 90, I can say that all my life’s aspirations have been fulfilled. I feel fulfilled. What am I looking for? I will be ungrateful to God if I feel I have anything left undone.”
We commiserate with his family, the people of the Niger Delta and the country at large. We hope that the virtues of nationalism, courage and humaneness that he purveyed with vigour will be ingrained in the psyche of Nigerians. There should, we believe, be no compromise on his advocacy for a Nigeria where brotherhood, compassion and mutual trust reign supreme. Beyond the lofty tributes that have continued to trail his transition, the kind of conviction, courage and dedication to justice that he demonstrated should underline party politics and conversations about governance and leadership in the country.
Adieu, irrepressible Clark!
and then