Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Has mourned the death of national Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Obasanjo in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, expressed grief over the dwindling number of Nigeria’s patriotic leaders, particularly at a time when their wisdom and experience are crucial to the nation’s progress.
247nextnews.com recalls that Chief Clark died barely four days after the passing of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
The former President described the late statesman as a great brother and friend, a distinguished lawyer, a seasoned economist, a capable administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader.
He highlighted Clark’s lifelong commitment to his people and his advocacy for better conditions in oil-producing States.
“I received yet another shocking and sad news of the passing of a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician, and a revered community leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
“It was shocking because we lost Chief Ayo Adebanjo, another prominent and illustrious son of Nigeria, just about four days ago. Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s patriotic leadership are fast depleting with the loss of dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities, particularly at this crucial stage in our nation’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed,” he said.
Obasanjo hilighted Clark’s remarkable contributions to national development, citing his tenure as Commissioner for Education and Finance in the former Midwestern State between 1968 and 1974 and his role as the Federal Government’s official spokesman in 1975.
He also recalled Clark’s time as a Senator in 1983, during which he strongly advocated for minority rights.
“Over the years, Chief Clark was imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing states of the country.
“As one of the foremost leaders of not only the Ijaw people but the South-South zone as a whole, he, until his death, exhorted his people on the imperative of peace and stability in the region,” Obasanjo stated.
He described Clark as a peace-loving, unassuming, and committed patriot who believed in democracy and participatory governance.
“He built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people, as a frontline politician and community leader. Nevertheless, his thoughts, utterances, and deeds were completely devoid of political partisanship. He was a detribalized Nigerian and had friends from all over the country,” he added.
The former President however, expressed gratitude for Clark’s long and impactful life, saying: “We thank God, however, that Chief Clark lived a long and God-fearing life, full of service to Nigeria and its people, and left behind the virtues of hard work and transparency in public life, which are important lessons for both the present and future generations. We should also be consoled by the fact that he lived a life worthy of communal emulation, touched the soul of his community, and is mourned by all.”
