Jonathan, Diri, others pay tribute to Ijaw National Leader, late Edwin Clark in Yenagoa
Political leaders, traditional and religious rulers, and other opinion molders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality converged on Bayelsa State to pay their last respects to the foremost nationalist, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Chief Edwin Clark, born on May 25, 1927, served as Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon and was a senator during the Second Republic. He remained a vocal figure in national affairs until his passing on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.
At a commendation service and lying in state of the remains of the late elder-statesman held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, they described him as an advocate of the downtrodden and as one who never shied away from speaking truth to power.
In a tribute in honour of the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan described him as a natural leader who used his life to defend the rights of minorities while believing in the unity of the country.
The senator representing Bayelsa West in the Senate and former governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, said the late elder statesman lived a life of service, urging the younger generation to emulate his exemplary lifestyle.
Governor Douye Diri, who said the late Chief Clark stood for justice and freedom, announced that the Bayelsa State government would institute an annual public lecture in honour of the departed Ijaw leader.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubraye Dakolo, extolled the virtues of Chief Clark, describing him as a frank and vocal voice across the nation.
President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, said he was a moral compass who stood for justice and was an advocate for the marginalized.
There were also tributes from the chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr Godknows Igali, and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri.
First son of Chief Clark, Pianowei Clark, took the only Bible reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, verses 1 to 6, while a clergy member, Reverend Godspower Asingba, who read from Job, Chapter 14 verse 5, said death is a call all humans must answer, urging Nigerians to strive to build good legacies while alive.
The Commendation Service witnessed praise and worship and congregational hymns.
Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner of Information and prominent Ijaw leader, died at the age of 97 on February 17, 2025.
Immediately after his death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Late Chief Clark as a “towering figure” whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades.
Other notable Nigerians had also eulogised Chief Clark, describing him as a true nationalist.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Edwin Clark has announced that his burial will take place on May 13, 2025, in his hometown, Kiagbodo, located in the Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
