A former Presidential Aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze and the President, Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation (OOF), Dr. Joe Odumakin, have mourned the passing of Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing the death of the elder statesman known for his unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project as another great loss to the country.
Chief Clark died on Monday evening in his Abuja residence, aged 97 years, Tribune Online reports.
The former presidential aspirant, Anakwenze, expressed his condolences in a statement by his Director General, Comrade Eric Oluwole, saying that Chief Clark’s demise was another great loss to the country on the heel of that of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, “in view of the remarkable contributions of the elder statesman to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Country, Nigeria.”
“The death of the PANDEF and the South-South leader, and passionate voice for the restructuring of Nigeria our country to a balanced federation that will truly promote the interest, development, progress and happiness of all the composite ethnic groups without discrimination, is a great loss to the whole country,” he said.
Anakwenze recalled the golden advice that Chief Clark gave him during his aspiration for PDP presidential ticket, noting that the late elder statesman “had for many years been standing as a fighter against the lopsidedness in the Nigerian federation, the unjust revenue sharing formula, the inconsiderate exploitation of the oil resources of the Niger Delta Region by oil companies occasioning the worsening impoverishment and degradation of the region, and endangering the lives of the people.
“Also, we recall Papa’s exemplary and indelible leadership role, sacrifices and contributions to the pro-democracy struggles during our country’s dark days under military dictatorship.
“It is noteworthy that PANDEF as one of the arrowheads in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), fought gallantly alongside other arrowheads to force demilitarisation and birthed the prevailing democratic dispensation.
“Commendably, Papa Edwin Clark had been a towering figure among his companions championing the cause of a new Nigeria rebuilt on justice, fairness, and equity for all the citizens, irrespective of birth place or status,” Anakwenze stated.
“While I condolence with his family, PANDEF and other patriotic associations he led, I pray that Papa Clark’s path will be blessed, and that light will shine on his path as he journeys into the Beyond, on his way to Paradise, the luminous Kingdom of our Creator, the Almighty Father,” the PDP chieftain prayed.
Also, the President of Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation (OOF), Dr Joe Odumakin, in her reaction, said that the elder statesman’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project, his unshakeable optimism, and his tireless efforts to build bridges across ethnic, religious, and regional divide would be deeply missed.
Odumakin, in a signed release, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, expressed sadness over what she termed the steady depletion in the ranks of true patriots from different parts of the country as Chief Clark’s death came so soon after the exit of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
The OOF president, who is the wife of the late Mr. Yinka Odumakin, former spokesperson of Afenifere, recalled with nostalgia the late Ijaw leader’s vibrant contribution to nation-building for over six decades, saying that at numerous fora where their paths crossed, “he exhibited an unquenchable desire to advocate for justice, equity, and good governance aimed at promoting national unity, peace, and development.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the transition to the eternal glory of another Nigerian Colossus, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who departed this terrestrial stage for the celestial realm on February 18, 2025, at the age of 97.
“Coming so soon after the exit of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, we are saddened by the steady depletion in the ranks of true Patriots from different parts of our country.
“Going down memory lane, we recall with nostalgia Clarke’s vibrant contribution to nation-building for over six decades. At numerous fora where our paths crossed, he exhibited an unquenchable desire to advocate for justice, equity, and good governance aimed at promoting national unity, peace, and development.
“Chief Clark’s unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project, his unshakeable optimism, and his tireless efforts to build bridges across ethnic, religious, and regional divides will be deeply missed,” she said.
Odumakin, however, said that the Foundation led by her took solace in the fact that the Late Chief Clark’s remarkable life, spanning nearly a century, was a testament to his strength, resilience and dedication to the well-being of the nation.
This was just as she expressed the readiness of the Foundation to rededicate itself to the values the late Ijaw leader embodied, namely justice, equality, and the unwavering pursuit of a utilitarian society for all Nigerians.
She also prayed that God should rest the soul of the deceased in power, saying that his legacy would continue to inspire generations to come.
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