Oyinlola Awonuga(Entertianment, Fashion and Sports desk)
Eminent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and a one- time minister of state for education, Chief Ken Gbagi have showered praises on elder-statesman and one-time federal commissioner for Information during the General Yakubu Gowon’s regime, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who clocked 93 today.
Chief Clark who is also described as national leader of the Ijaw nation has also been national chairman of PANDEF, a pan-Niger-Delta forum, until lately.
Dr Jonathan in his message described the elder-statesman as a great patriot and an exemplary leader who has contributed enormously to the development of Nigeria and the Niger Delta region in particular. He said: “You are a great patriot, an exemplary leader who has contributed so much to Nigeria’s unity and political stability, especially in the Niger Delta. As an elder statesman, you are an ambassador of peace, truth, and justice. Even at old age, you have continued to be an inspiration to Nigerians of different generations. As you celebrate, I wish more years of God’s guidance, peace and sound health. On behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday.”
Similarly, Senator Omo-Agege who represents Delta Central at the upper legislative chambers underscored Clark’s contributions to national growth both as a public servant and as a private citizen.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the Deputy Senate president who is also the leader of South South caucus of the ruling APC said: “I heartily felicitate with you, your family and join your friends, associates and innumerable admirers to celebrate with you on your birthday and wish you good health and greater prosperity in the years ahead. No one is in doubt of your commitment to nation-building. You have immensely contributed to Nigeria’s growth both as a public servant and as a private citizen, offering counsel to several administrations.”
In the same light, Gbagi in his birthday message said: “I heartily congratulate Chief Clark, whom I refer to as my father, on the occasion of his 93rd birthday celebration. Without mincing words, he is a blessing to our nation given his immense contributions as a nationalist and elder-statesman towards ensuring the unity of Nigeria. It is therefore, my fervent prayer that whatever contract of longevity that is left between him (Clark) and God should be fulfilled in good health, strong body and soul.”
