Eminent Nigerians have paid tributes to late elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who passed on February 17 at the age of 97.
Speaking at “A Day of Tributes” organised in his honour in Lagos on Thursday, they described the late South and Middle Belt leader, as a true nationalist, who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and just society.
Former governor of Ogun, Sen. Gbenga Daniel in his tribute, described Clark as a father that provided guidance, and noted that his legacies would endure for a long time.
According to Gbenga, Clark’s outspoken nature and dedication to equity earned him respect across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
“Chief Clark was a prominent Nigerian nationalist and Ijaw leader; a statesman whose career spanned over six decades.
“He was a staunch advocate of the rights of the Niger Delta people and a vocal proponent of national unity, justice, and liberty.
“There is a whole lot we can say about him, and this is just the beginning. We can all agree that he was renowned for his unwavering commitment to the rights of the Niger Delta people.
“He was an advocate for resource control, environmental justice, and free federalism,” Daniel said.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had described Clark, “as a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.”
Gbenga noted that Clark’s legacy would endure as a symbol of steadfast advocacy for justice, national unity, and the environment of his region.
Dr Nike Akande, a two-time Minister of Industry and immediate past President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on her part lauded the widow, Mrs Abisola Shodipo-Clark for being a pillar of support.
She described the late Clark as an highly intelligent leader and philanthropist par excellence
“Chief Clark touched many lives in many positive ways including mine. He had a lot of interest in Nigerian projects. He believed in Nigeria and talked about the country all the time.”
Also speaking, Dame Pauline Tallen, a former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development said: “Clark was the spokesperson for the marginalised, he fought for justice. We share in his loss.
“He served well, lived well fighting for the truth. He spoke truth to powers. We are not mourning him, we’re celebrating him because he was a great man.
Elder Solomon Asemota, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who spoke on behalf of the Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians, said that Clark did a lot for the country
“E.K Clark was a democrat, he believed in democracy. He is a better politician. He understands human nature.
“But for Chief Clark, University of Benin will never happen then.”
President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Sen. Azuta Mbata, while speaking noted that Clark was passionate about true federalism and the marginalised in the society.
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