President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday described the death of the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, as a deep and sobering loss.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) died on Monday in Abuja at 97.
Reacting, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, in a statement said the former federal commissioner of information believed and worked for the unity of Nigeria all the days of his life.
According to Tinubu, the elder statesman, who was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
He described Clark as a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
The President further extended his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.
The statement reads: ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic.
”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond.
”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.
”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President said in the statement.
President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.