The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed shock over the death of an elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, describing the deceased leader as a towering figure known for several decades for his tireless advocacy for justice, equality, and human rights in the country.
Pa Clark died in Abuja on Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 97 years.
A national patriarch, a renowned lawyer, activist, and politician, Chief Clark was also the leader of the people of the South-South region of Nigeria and the Ijaw ethnic nationality, in particular, and founded PANDEF, South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBL), amongst many others.
PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Godknows Igali, said this in a release issued by the group’s spokesman, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, pointing out that the elder statesman’s contributions to the legal profession, politics, community development, and the educational sector where he founded several universities were immeasurable.
“Pa Clark was indeed a towering figure in our Nigeria for over 75 years of active public service known for his tireless advocacy for justice, equality, and human rights.
“His contributions to the legal profession, politics, community development, and the educational sector where he founded several universities are immeasurable,” the PANDEF Chairman said.
Igali, however, said that the late elder statesman’s standing as a passionate champion of the people, a brilliant mind, and a generous spirit would continue to inspire all Nigerians to work more towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society as he quietly departed after a very active life that just eluded his 98 birthday.
The PANDEF Chairman, while sadly noting that Papa Clark had so soon gone to join his friend, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, prayed to God to rest their souls in peace, but quickly said the group was, however, “comforted by God’s word in Acts Chapter 13:36: ‘After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep and was allowed to rest.'”
“As he quietly departs after a very active life that just eluded his 98 birthday, his standing as a passionate champion of the people, a brilliant mind, and a generous spirit will continue to inspire all Nigerians to work more towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.
“We are comforted by God’s word in Acts Chapter 13:36: “After he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, he fell asleep and was allowed to rest”
“A detailed programme for his obsequies will be announced in due course.
“So soon, Papa Clark has gone to join his friend, Pa Ayo Adebanjo. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
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