Abiodun mourns, says Clark’s exit concludes monumental chapter in Nigerian history

Credit: NAN

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, in mourning mood on Tuesday, described the death of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Edwin Clark, as a glorious conclusion of a monumental chapter in Nigerian history.

The governor, in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday, indicated that Clark’s death was a profound loss to Nigeria.

Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF), said Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, was one of the greatest leaders ever produced by the South-South geopolitical zone.

He noted that the exit of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter and restructuring advocate, marked an unforgettable era.

Abiodun says whatever sorrow the exit of the foremost Ijaw leader springs has been tempered by the giant strides he left in various sectors of the Nigerian national life.

“The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed in Nigerian history.

“As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, independence, and post-independence eras, with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian history.

“He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of courage that Nigeria has ever witnessed.

“The outpouring of emotions following his death, coming on the heels of the transition of a kindred spirit, the inimitable Pa Ayo Adebanjo, indeed marks a moment that all Nigerians must be proud of.

“Despite his advancing years, Chief Clark readily and consistently wrote letters to critical organs of the Nigerian State whenever he saw dangerous signals in the polity. He will be sorely missed.

“He was a courageous fighter till his last breath, galvanising the Southern and Middle Belt peoples for the restructuring of the Nigerian polity and preaching peace at all times,” Abiodun said.