Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, describing it as a significant loss to Nigeria.
In his condolence message, the Vice President paid tribute to Clark’s extensive influence on Nigeria’s national discourse, particularly his steadfast advocacy for resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta over a span of six decades.
“When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” he said.
Shettima extended his condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, recognising the late Chief Clark as a distinguished patriot and a relentless advocate for justice and equity.
The Vice President also reflected on Clark’s advocacy for restructuring, which, though often placing him at odds with various administrations, earned him widespread respect across political divides.
“Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency”.
“The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller whose interventions consistently redirected our national conversation toward justice and inclusivity,” he stated.
Chief Clark, the former Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), had a distinguished career, serving as the Federal Commissioner for Information in the First Republic and later as a Senator in the Second Republic.
He passed away on Monday at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most prominent and fearless advocates for justice and inclusivity.
Comments are closed.