By: Mandy Park
Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, paid their last respects to Chief Edwin Clark at his funeral in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
The funeral service, held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Kiagbodo, was attended by dignitaries from various walks of life.
The Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, delivered a poignant homily, highlighting Clark’s virtues and selfless service to the nation.
-President Bola Tinubu represented by Secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume described Clark as a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice, and a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation. Tinubu highlighted Clark’s distinct and patriotic views on national issues, noting that even his opponents never doubted his integrity.
According to Tinubu “Pa Clark was a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice. He was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation.
“His views on national issues were distinct and patriotic. He believed in a united Nigeria. As an astute politician, even his opponents never doubted his integrity”.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan called Clark a great nationalist who lived in full validation of human dignity. Jonathan praised Clark’s advocacy for freedom, national pride, and minority rights, describing him as an ambassador and a steadfast preacher of justice and good governance.
Jonathan said “He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride. Pa Clark was more than a father and leader; he was an ambassador, an audacious voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast preacher of justice and minority rights.
“Whether as a federal commissioner or later as an elder statesman, he remained a courageous and fearless advocate for equity, justice, inclusivity, and good governance”,.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Clark was a pan-Nigerian and Pan-African who fought for all, including minorities.
Akpabio noted that Clark left a legacy and responsibility to his followers, valuing his contributions to Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
Akpabio said, “Pa Clark was a pan-Nigerian and Pan-African who fought for all, including the minorities.
“He has left a legacy and a responsibility to his followers. He did well for Nigeria and for the Niger Delta.
“He stood tall when others bowed for convenience. He belonged to a generation that believed in the eternal cause of freedom. He was a testament to conviction and principles.”
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said Clark was fearless, vocal, bold, assertive, and unrelenting in speaking truth to power.
Oborevwori emphasized Clark’s dedication to nation-building and his fight for improved living conditions, food security, quality education, public safety, and accessible healthcare services.
Oborevwori said: “Pa Clark lived a fulfilled life and will be remembered for his legacy and contributions to nation-building.
“He was a teacher, educator, politician, and astute public servant, an example of a life dedicated to service.
“He was the voice of the oppressed in Nigeria’s political space. We have lost a powerful voice in the Niger Delta. He fought for improved living conditions, food security, quality education, public safety, and accessible healthcare services.
“We must unite, particularly in the Niger Delta, to continue his legacy. I am glad our leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, is here. We must rally around him and remain united, because it is only through unity that we can achieve more for our people.
“When we allow division through personal sentiments, we will hinder progress.”
Other Dignitaries in Attendance included: Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State)
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, and his wife, Ezinne Catherine. Former Governors Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Joel-Onowhakpo Thomas, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and Chief Rufus Ada George.
Also, Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh was present among others.