By Abiola Olawale
A frontline Niger Delta advocate, High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister for Information during the regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon, Second Republic Senator and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
Tompolo described Clark as a Pan-Niger Delta nationalist whose death has left a void in the region and the nation at large.
In a statement issued, in Asaba, Delta State, Tompolo extended his condolences to the Clark family, the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, and Nigerians as a whole.
Tompolo highlighted Clark’s role as a unifying figure and a democratic crusader, emphasizing that Nigeria has lost a unique and potent voice with his demise.
According to him, Clark’s passing, despite occurring at the advanced age of 97, came as a shock.
The statement reads in part: “The news of his passing came as a rude shock to me. Even though he was old, he was full of life and energy, so I was surprised to hear of his death this morning.
“Nigeria has lost its unique and potent voice in the South-South geopolitical zone, a true gift from God.
“Senator Clark was a strong, fearless, and irrepressible individual. He was a father to the fatherless, a defender of the Niger Delta people, and an unwavering advocate for equity and good governance. We will miss him deeply.”
The New Diplomat reports that Clark, a prominent Nigerian statesman 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; 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.
