Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has mourned the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF.
Diri said the Ijaw nation has lost its father-figure and irrepressible voice.
This was contained in a statement signed by the governor on Tuesday.
He described the late Clark as an icon, a treasure of inestimable value and a nationalist par excellence as well as a distinguished patriot who dedicated his whole life to the service of Nigeria.
While sending condolences to Clark’s immediate family, the Governor prayed to God to grant the family and the Ijaw nation the grace to bear the loss.
Diri further directed that “all flags in the state fly at half-mast for three days while all our government’s fifth anniversary activities remain suspended for the same period.”
Similarly, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, while mourning the death of Clark
said the Niger Delta and the country as a whole have lost “a father, a sage, a unifier and a colossus.”
Sylva in a condolence message yesterday, said the Ijaw ethnic nationality, the Niger Delta region and the entire nation mourn the late Niger Delta activist and leader.
The former governor while further mourning the deceased, celebrated Clark’s enduring life of impact.
He added, “Nine plus decades of excellence; a life of service, purpose and humanity.”
“Rest well, Pa (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.”
The former Governor of Bayelsa now Senator, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, also mourned the demise of Pa Clark.
In a statement that was shared on his official Facebook account on Tuesday, Dickson disclosed his visit to the bereaved family, saying that Clark lived a great life and has gone to rest with his creator.
He likened Clark’s passing as the falling of an Iroko tree, adding that “his demise has left a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
Dickson further said, “As we mourn his passing, let us also get ready to celebrate the great life he lived as well as learn from his life, the lessons of service with dignity, courage and selflessness.
“This evening, after attending the service of songs of my younger brother DIG Moses Jitoboh, I returned for another scheduled meeting which again will be convened tomorrow evening.
“I thank the children, the family members and all those who played a role in taking care and supporting him while he lived. We are all his children and prepared to do the needful as we celebrate his passing.”
Similarly, Nigeria’s Oil Minister, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, has equally expressed his condolences to the Clark family, the government and people of Delta State and PANDEF on the passing of the late Chief Edwin Clark.
The minister who expressed shock and sadness over Clark’s demise described the late Niger Delta advocate as a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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This was contained in a statement signed by Lokpobiri on Wednesday.
He prayed for God to grant the soul of Clark eternal rest and provide comfort to all who mourn his irreplaceable loss.
“Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, dedicating over seven decades to the pursuit of justice, equity, and development.
“As a former Federal Commissioner for Information and an unwavering advocate for the Niger Delta, he championed the rights of marginalized communities and worked tirelessly for the progress of our nation.
ATTENTION: Flags to fly at half-mast in Bayelsa in honour of Ijaw National Leader
E.K Clark
“His fearless voice resonated in times of national discourse, always emphasizing unity, fairness, and the well-being of all Nigerians. The Niger Delta and the entire nation have lost a true patriot whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
“May the Almighty grant Chief Edwin Clark eternal rest and provide comfort to all who mourn his irreplaceable loss,” Lokpobiri stated.
