Senate pledges full participation in burial of late Pa Edwin Clark

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will play an active role in the burial arrangements of Pa Edwin Clark, the renowned elder statesman, who passed away on Monday at the age of 97.

Akpabio gave this assurance on Wednesday when a delegation from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, visited him at the National Assembly to formally inform him of Clark’s passing.

Addressing the PANDEF delegation, Akpabio revealed that the Senate had already observed a minute’s silence earlier in the day to honor Pa Clark, who was himself a former Senator and a pillar of Nigeria’s political landscape.

“We couldn’t even wait for you to inform us formally. We had already agreed to send a strong delegation to condole with the family, the good people of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and indeed all Nigerians.

The Senate will actively participate in all the burial activities,” Akpabio stated.

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The Senate President hailed the late Clark as an iconic leader, a Pan-Africanist, and a champion of minority rights in Nigeria. He described him as a detribalized Nigerian who spent his entire life advocating for justice, fairness, and inclusivity across all regions.

“Pa Edwin Clark was not just any Nigerian. He was a leader who fought for the rights of minorities, not just in the Niger Delta but across the entire country. He envisioned a better Nigeria, an inclusive nation where every citizen, regardless of background, would have a sense of belonging.”

Reflecting on Clark’s last moments, Akpabio expressed deep admiration for his unwavering patriotism.

“Even at the twilight of his life, his final words were ‘I love Nigeria,’ ‘I am a Nigerian.’ That, to me, was the ultimate summary of his life—his dedication to this country from birth till death. His unwavering belief in Nigeria, despite its challenges, is something we must all learn from.”

Akpabio urged Nigerians to uphold Clark’s virtues of resilience, patriotism, and unwavering belief in the country, even in the face of economic and political hardships.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria, no matter the challenges we face today. His final words are a reminder that we must continue to love and build our nation.”

Speaking on behalf of PANDEF, Ambassador Igali emphasized that it was only fitting for the delegation to personally inform Akpabio, given his status as the highest-ranking politician from the South-South and the Niger Delta region.

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“Chief Edwin Clark was not just an elder statesman; he was a pillar of democracy and a father figure to many, including you. He was a former Senator, a leader, and a guiding voice in national affairs. It is only right that we come to inform you of his passing.”

Ambassador Igali recounted Clark’s last days, noting that while the elder statesman had remained strong for most of his life, there was a noticeable gradual decline in his health over the past two months.

“Just two weeks ago, he began to wind down. Last Sunday, I was with him, sitting by his side with his nurse, and he repeatedly said, ‘I love Nigeria,’ ‘I am a Nigerian.’ Those were his final words before he stopped talking. Shortly after, he was taken to the hospital, where he passed on.”

As Nigeria mourns the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, tributes continue to pour in from across the country, recognizing his indelible contributions to national development, equity, and justice.

With the Senate and other national stakeholders pledging full participation in his burial, the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most influential voices in governance, activism, and nation-building.