By Abiola Olawale
A former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside, has mourned the passing of Elder statesman, former Minister for Information during the regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon, Second Republic Senator and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Peterside, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday, described the demise of Clark as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
The New Diplomat reports that Clark, the Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died on Monday night at age 97, according to a family statement.
Reacting to the news of Clark’s demise, Peterside said the late leader was a “voice, patriot, statesman, defender, and shining light” whose contributions to national discourse and the Niger Delta struggle would not be forgotten.
He stated: “The passing of Chief Edwin Clark has created a vacuum that will be too huge to fill.
“He was a true Nigerian hero who spoke truth to power and made immense sacrifices to defend the rights and privileges of minorities.
“At his blessed age, he could have retired, but he chose to continue advocating for the people. He was never afraid to stand for what he believed in, even at great personal risk.”
Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of present-day Delta State.
He attended primary and secondary schools in Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before furthering his education at the Government Teacher Training College, which later evolved into Delta State University, Abraka.
His educational journey did not end there; he pursued legal studies abroad, becoming a lawyer and returning to Nigeria to take on various roles in public service.
Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected as a councillor of Bomadi in Delta State.
His commitment to public service saw him ascending to various roles, from being a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor, to serving as Federal Commissioner for Information under the military regime.
His tenure as a Commissioner for Education and later Finance in the Mid-Western Region highlighted his dedication to improving governance and public welfare.
In the Second Republic, Clark was involved with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was Senator Representing Warri and served as the party’s treasurer in Bendel State.
His political career was not just about positions but also about advocacy, particularly for the rights of the Niger Delta region. He was a vocal proponent of resource control, true federalism, and equitable distribution of national wealth, which resonated deeply within the South-South geopolitical zone.
One of his later significant roles was as the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), where he continued to champion the cause of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF, under his leadership, became a pivotal voice in national dialogues on restructuring Nigeria’s federal system, ensuring that the interests of the oil-rich but historically marginalized region were not overlooked.
His efforts were instrumental during the amnesty period for Niger Delta militants, advocating for peace and development rather than confrontation.
