Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday, led a delegation of Rivers State leaders on a condolence visit to the family of late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark in Abuja, and has called for the immortalization of the elder statesman.
Speaking at the occasion, Gov. Fubara said that late Chief Clark, who died on February 17, 2025, at 97, was a quintessential leader who remained fearless, speaking against acts of injustice, leadership recklessness, and marginalization while also propagating national unity.
Gov. Fubara stated that the late Chief Clark was not just a South-South leader of repute, but occupied a strategic place in national history for his role in nation-building and pursuit of social justice.
The governor said: “Papa lived very long, 90 plus years is not a joke with full energy, still contributing positively. So, I join the family to say it pleased God, at this time for him to leave us. And while he is not here with us, we cherish the wonderful work he did.
“I am happy to be associated with such a character. He was a father with character of integrity, uprightness; character that is not greedy, self-serving. He was ready to sacrifice everything.
“I want to assure the family, Clark was a father to me. In my most trying time, he stood by me. He spoke truth to power. He wasn’t scared, and I appreciate the role he played and the impact he made.”
Gov. Fubara pointed to the reputable leaders of Rivers State that he had led on the large delegation to identify with the bereaved family, saying they were people who had stood, followed, and delivered on their responsibilities at different times to keep the state safer, progressive and united.
Gov. Fubara stated: “We came here to tell you that Rivers State feels this pain. we are going to support to make sure that we follow the decision of the family to make sure that we give him a befitting burial.
“We have to immortalize his name. That is the truth. It is not about the South-South. It is all about his contributions to nation-building.”
Read also: Gov. Oborevwori visits Edwin Clark’s family, pays tribute to late elder statesman
Gov. Fubara advised the bereaved family to stay united to honour their late father whose legacy they must protect, and urged them to be different from some families that recline to scrambling over assets.
While welcoming Gov. Fubara and his entourage, son of late Chief Edwin Clark, Ebikeme Clark, expressed gratitude of the children to the governor, members of the delegation and the entire state for the support and visit.
He said the family was well aware of the impact of the life of their late father on a lot of people, not only in Delta State where he hailed from but in the South-South, Niger Delta, the whole nation and beyond.
He said “the support Nigerians have showed him over the years is overwhelming. We, his children, appreciate everything you have done. I just want to say thank you, and God will bless you all.”
