By Fransisca Irekpita/ Abimbola Bamgbose
Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed worry over what he described as the depleting ranks of the nation’s patriotic leaders, especially at this crucial time in the country’s history when their wise counsel and rich experience are greatly needed.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo made this known in his condolence message on the death of an elder statesman Edwin Clark, barely four days after the death of another Patriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
In a message made available to newsmen by his special assistant on media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president noted that the late elder statesman has, over the years, displayed profound love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the country’s oil-bearing states.
Chief Obasanjo stressed that the former Federal Commissioner was a great brother and friend, a frontline lawyer, a seasoned economist, a tested administrator, an accomplished politician and a revered community leader.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of late Chief Clark a peaceful rest and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, SGF, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as a profound loss to Nigeria and an end of a monumental chapter in the nation’s history.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Abiodun paid tribute to the late elder statesman, acknowledging his tireless advocacy for the Niger Delta region and his unwavering commitment to justice and equity.
He described Chief Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, as one of the most influential leaders to emerge from the South-South geopolitical zone and a formidable voice against decades of marginalization and exploitation of the Niger Delta people.
“The passing of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at the age of 97 marks a watershed moment in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, independence, and post-independence eras, Chief Clark was a living embodiment of our national journey. For nearly seven decades, he served with distinction and remained one of Nigeria’s most courageous and progressive voices,” Abiodun stated.
The governor highlighted Clark’s early contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, recalling his election as a councillor for Bomadi in 1953, his involvement with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, NCNC, and his active role in the West African Students’ Union while studying at Holborn College, London.
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