ABUJA/Nigeria: Deputy Senate President in the 9th Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has described the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as the end of an era marked by the efforts of visionary leaders who fought for justice, fair play, equity, and true federalism in Nigeria.
Reacting to the passing of the elder statesman, Omo-Agege in a statement signed by Sunny Areh, his Media Adviser, expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Clark’s lifelong commitment to the emancipation of the Niger Delta and his role as a bridge builder across political divides.
“I received the news of the passing of our foremost leader and patron of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief E.K. Clark, with profound pain and sorrow. Nigeria, nay, the Niger Delta, has lost a leader whose voice for the good of all transcends boundaries, a bridge builder across political lines who struggled for the enthronement of a just and egalitarian society,” Omo-Agege said.
He described Clark’s life as a testament to courage and unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the Niger Delta, which has long suffered environmental degradation despite contributing significantly to the nation’s wealth. “He never wavered in his commitment to justice, especially the justice denied the people of the Niger Delta when successive governments exploited crude oil, with only a class of people and areas overwhelmingly arrogating the resources to themselves while the Niger Delta was left in ruins,” Omo-Agege stated.
The former Deputy Senate President emphasized that despite the injustices faced by his people, Clark remained devoted to Nigeria’s unity, advocating for fairness and equitable resource distribution. “Despite the injustice meted out to his people, Daddy Clark loved Nigeria and put her first. He only wanted fair treatment for the Niger Delta within a true federal system,” he added.
Omo-Agege also highlighted Clark’s legacy of principled activism, which, he noted, has enriched Nigeria’s political landscape and set a path for future generations. “A nationalist par excellence, we will miss his interventions and activism which have greatly enriched our political landscape and provided a well-trodden path for future generations,” he said.
While mourning the elder statesman’s passing at the age of 97, Omo-Agege expressed gratitude for Clark’s guidance and prayed for strength for his family. “May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty God grant his nuclear and extended family the fortitude to deal with this irreparable loss,” he concluded.
