The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has described Pa Edwin.K. Clark as a man who had a Passionate desire for a new and greater Nigeria.
Obi said that Clark’s death coming shortly after that of Pa Ayo Adebanjo can be discomforting but there is a consolation in the huge legacies they left behind.
Writing in his X handle on Tuesday, Obi said, “Still in the mourning mood of the death of our revered father and leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, today, I received another rude shock of the death of another respected elder statesman and revered father figure, Chief Edwin Clark.
“On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I extend our sincere sympathies to the entire Clark Family and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
“Chief Clark was a towering figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and remained on the vanguard of the struggle for peace, justice, equity, and fairness in the nation.
“He remained vehemently vocal in his demand for good governance in the nation. He was a true patriot whose desire for a better nation manifested in his immeasurable contributions to the nation.
“I will always cherish his support for my Presidential Campaign. His bold endorsement of my presidential journey highlights his passionate desire for a New Nigeria that promotes peace, progress, productivity, equity, and fairness.
“Chief Clark will always be remembered as a symbol of courage, truth, resilience,, and patriotism. His death remains a profound loss to the nation.
“I extend my condolences to the entire Ijaw Kingdom, the government, and the people of Delta State for this loss. May God grant them, and all of us in Nigeria, the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss. May God grant him eternal rest and continue to protect and bless his family always.
Pa Clark’s death: the Fall of another Iroko -Nnia Nwodo
In the space of four days, Nigeria lost two of its finest and most sincere leaders.
The death of the revered Elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, Chief Edwin.K. Clark, four days after the demise of the Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo can be devastating.
For me, in the two men, I had two great patriots in the struggle for the creation of a new Nigeria.
My tenure as President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide from 2017 to 2021 was impactful through the partnership provided by these two great nationalists.
Nigeria has, by Clark’s death, lost another great Iroko whose space in the country’s political trajectory will be difficult to fill.
But notwithstanding, we have every reason to give God the glory for their lives and for the huge legacies they left behind.
I therefore like to call on the federal government to immortalize these fallen heroes by restructuring the country in such a way that justice and equity, which they fought for, will prevail in the land.
On behalf of my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the Ijaw Nationality, and the PANDEF as I pray to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
May the Souls of Pa Clark, Adebanjo, and all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen
John Nnia Nwodo is a former President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide 2017 to 2021
