Distinguished leaders from Nigeria’s Ijaw nation converged on Monday at Ijaw House in Yenagoa to pay their respects to the late elder statesman and Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who passed away in February at 97, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed in a statement.

The solemn lying-in-state ceremony saw emotional tributes from former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, former governor Seriake Dickson, and other prominent figures who celebrated Clark’s lifelong dedication to the Ijaw cause and national unity.

Daniel Alabrah noted that the event attracted dignitaries from across the Niger Delta and beyond, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

In his tribute, former President Jonathan described the departed leader as “the face of the Niger Delta” whose advocacy transcended ethnic boundaries. “People from Middle Belt and other regions visited him more than Ijaws because he championed justice for all oppressed groups,” Jonathan stated.

Governor Diri announced plans to immortalize Clark through state monuments, with Daniel Alabrah later clarifying that “the executive council has constituted a committee to name key infrastructure after Ijaw heroes including Pa Clark, Dr Jonathan and Senator Dickson.”

Senator Dickson remembered Clark as “a voice respected nationwide for his selflessness,” while INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba praised him as “an irrepressible voice for the voiceless.”

Daniel Alabrah reported that the ceremony concluded with traditional rites and a Bible reading from Ecclesiastes by Clark’s first son, Pinaowei Clark, as the late leader’s casket was draped in Ijaw national colors.