Temisan Olaifa
Some eminent Nigerians on Thursday celebrated the life and achievements of Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Niger Delta leader, who passed away on Feb. 17, aged 97.
Speaking at “A Day of Tributes”, organised in his honour in Lagos, they described Clark as a true nationalist, who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.
In his tribute, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun, said Clark was a father, who provided direction for others, adding his legacies would endure for a long time.
According to Daniel, Clark’s 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 promoter 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 said.
In her tribute, Dr Nike Akande, a former Minister of Industry and immediate past president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described Clark as a highly intelligent leader and a philanthropist par excellence.
She also commended Clark’s widow, Abisola, for being a pillar of support to the family.
“Chief Clark touched many lives in many positive ways, including mine. He had a lot of interest in the Nigerian project. He believed in Nigeria and talked about the country all the time,” she said.
Also speaking, Dame Pauline Tallen, a former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development said,” He (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 power. We are not mourning him; we are celebrating him because he was a great man; we thank God for his life; we believe he is resting with the Lord.”
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 was a great politician. He understood human nature” Asemota said.
Sen. Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, in his goodwill message, said that Clark was passionate about true federalism and the marginalised in the society.
Mbata, who was represented by Mr Emeka Ugwu-Oju, said that the group would always remember Clark for all he stood for.
A Niger Delta Leader, Chief Joseph Eva, who applauded Clark’s commitment to the development of Nigeria, said that his followers would not do anything contrary to what he stood for.
He described Clark as a great defender of the Niger Delta as well as the country’s unity.
“The Niger Delta will not do anything to break this country ut unite it; this is what Clark stood for.
“We cannot do anything other than work for the unity of this country. We shall continue to miss this great nationalist, “he said.
Delivering a lecture on true federalism and resource control in Nigeria, a member of the Patriots, Chief Fafaa Princewill, said the country’s governance structure was faulty.
Princewill, who noted that the country’s problems were beyond corruption, bad governance, and incompetence, called for a total overhaul of the nation’s constitution.
“Nigeria is not working. Every Nigerian is a victim of Nigeria. If things are not working, then we have to go back to the rules.
“Pa Clark lived and touched many lives and we will not deviate from what he stood and died for,” he said.
In his sermon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the Senior Pastor of the Trinity Church, noted that Clark served his generation well, saying his name would never be forgotten.
Ighodalo said, “Do your best for what you can do while you can do it like Clark did. Our leaders must learn to serve us and live for the people like Clark.”
Clark’s widow, Abisola, while commending the organiser of the programme for honouring her deceased husband, said Clark lived for the progress of Nigeria and would forever be missed.
