Former member of the House of Representatives, Steve Azaiki has urged the federal government to rename the newly established South South Development Commission (SSDC) after the late Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark.
Azaiki said the gesture will serve to immortalize the late icon for his services to the nation and mankind.
Speaking at the night of tributes in honour of Clark in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Azaiki also called for an annual public lecture to be instituted in memory of the departed elder statesman.
He contended that there will be no honour that can be deemed to be too much for Chief Clark given his invaluable contributions to the socio-political and economic development of the nation and Niger Delta in particular.
Azaiki described Clark as a man of many parts highlighting his footprints in education, public service, fight for equity and justice and his relentless push for the rights of the minorities, especially in the Niger Delta.
He recalled the Clark spearheaded the formation of the Pan Niger Delta Forrum (PANDEF) and used it as a forum to galvanize the Niger Delta people for a stronger voice in the demand for fiscal autonomy and resource control.
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“He was a voice for true federalism and understood deeply that true federalism was not merely a political slogan, but a bedrock for a just and prosperous Nigeria,” he added
According to Azaiki, Clark never shied away from speaking truth to power, hence, he persistently urged former President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the All Progressives Congress (APC) report on restructuring.
He said Clark never relented in urging the authorities to revisit the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference which he believed contains the key to unlock the full potentials of the nation and streamline the structural imbalances hampering the wheel of progress of the nation.
“Clark served Nigeria for half a century and.so understood the complex issues of our nation with unparalleled clarity.
“He was exceptionally intelligent and, as a result, attracted friends across the diverse corners of the country and beyond
“He was unequivocally a voice for the voiceless, a dedicated freedom fighter and a relentless advocate for justice and fair play,” Azaiki maintained.
