By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the revered elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, who died at the age of 97.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Tinubu described Chief Clark as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, whose relentless advocacy for justice, equity, and resource control in the Niger Delta spanned nearly six decades.
“Chief Clark spoke not just for the Niger Delta but for the nation. He was a courageous leader, unafraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. His unwavering commitment to a united Nigeria built on fairness and true federalism remains an enduring legacy,” the President stated.
Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Clark dedicated his life to public service, rising from a councillor to a cabinet member at both state and federal levels.
He was a passionate advocate for environmental justice and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta, championing policies that shaped the region’s development.
President Tinubu lamented the loss of the elder statesman, describing it as a sobering moment for the nation.
He noted that even Chief Clark’s political adversaries never doubted the weight of his words, as he spoke with conviction and confidence in every national discourse.
“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for his people, for national unity, and for a more just and prosperous Nigeria. His contributions to our nation’s stability and progress will remain a source of pride for generations,” Tinubu said.
On behalf of the federal government, the President extended his deepest condolences to the Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the Delta State government. He prayed for divine comfort for all those mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.
