President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and prominent Ijaw leader.
Clark died on Monday, February 17 at the age of 97.
In a statement on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu said Clark was passionately advocated for resource control and national unity in his lifetime.
He added that Clark’s influence was felt across Nigeria’s political landscape for nearly six decades.
The president condoled with 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,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
“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.
“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.”
‘A TOWERING FIGURE IN NIGERIAN HISTORY’
Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State, also paid tribute to Clark, describing him as a patriot, statesman and a towering figure in Nigerian history.
In a statement issued by his media office, Fayemi said Clark played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political and socio-economic fabric.
“Pa Clark was a great statesman whose contributions to the development of our nation were immeasurable,” Fayemi said.
“His service to Nigeria spanned decades, from his early career in public service to his untiring commitment to national unity and development.
“Pa Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of service, courage, and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria will endure forever.
“Pa Clark was not just a leader. He was a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria as a former senator, minister, and elder statesman. In all of these roles, he was pivotal in shaping our nation’s political and socio-economic fabric.”
