The Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) Lagos chapter has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the life and times of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark who passed on Monday night at 97.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by Chief Bukazi Etete, chairman of the Ijaw Elders Forum in Lagos, he said Clark was a patriot who inspired leaders and served the Ijaws with courage.
“Pa Clark was also the foremost leader of the Niger Delta and South South. He was the leader of PANDEF and the Southern and Middle Belt Forum.
“As if in a conspiracy, he departed this world to the great beyond a few days after his soul mate and co-advocate for minority rights and restructuring, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
“Pa Clark was a fearless advocate for justice and equity in Nigeria,” the IEF added.
The group maintained that Clark was concerned about the sufferings and oppression of the Ijaw and the people of the Niger Delta.
According to the IEF, Clark did not mince words in speaking truth to power, a strong voice expressing concern about the marginalisation of the Ijaw people.
They recalled that Clark highlighted the travails of oil exploitation, which has devastated the environment of the Niger Delta and ravaged the lives of the people.
“He was a lawyer of great repute, commissioner of education in the Midwest Region, and a federal commissioner of information.
“Clark was senator who left an indelible mark in all his national assignments. Pa Clark has seen it all, as an astute politician,” the IEF said.
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The group regretted that Clark left the world at a time when his strong voice for justice and equity was most needed in Nigeria, adding that his experience and wise counsel will be greatly missed.
“The voice of the Ijaw Nation has gone silent. Our chief advocate and minority interest defender has gone to the great beyond. The strong advocate of minority interest and restructuring is gone.
“We weep as a people for this great loss but are consoled by the fact that he lived a well fulfilled life as a great national patriot. We are already missing you, our great leader.
“IEF celebrates the life and times of this great sage and Patriot. We are encouraged by the inspirational life he lived and the ideals he stood for.
“Our condolences go to the family of Pa Edwin K. Clark, the great people of Ijaw Nation and Nigerians at large. May God grant his soul eternal rest,” the IEF prayed.
