By Abiola Olawale
The poignant final words of late elder statesman, former Minister for Information during the regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon, Second Republic Senator and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, have come to light.
In a statement issued by the family of late Pa Clark, Leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), it was revealed that the elder statesman’s last words were a testament to his love for Nigeria and courage to stand for truth and justice in defence of Nigeria.
He is reported to have said, “I am a Nigerian, I love Nigeria, Nigeria is my country, I am proud to be a Nigerian.”
Clark is also said to have imparted wisdom and encouragement to those around him in his final hours.
He urged the people not to adopt a “giving up spirit,” expressing his confidence that they would succeed in making Nigeria a better society.
This affirmation of national identity and pride underlines Clark’s lifelong commitment to national unity and his advocacy for a better Nigeria.
The New Diplomat reports that Clark, prominent Nigerian elder statesman, Ijaw leader and nationalist passed away at the age of 97 on the night of Monday, February 17, 2025.
Clark’s passing has been mourned by many, including current and former Nigerian leaders, who have acknowledged his significant contributions to the nation’s political and social landscape.
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 as 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 representing 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 minister for Information under the military regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon.
His tenure as a Commissioner for Education and later Finance in the old 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 elected Senator Representing Warri and also 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.
