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STILL MOURNING CHIEF CLARK, YAKASAI DESCRIBES HIM AS A RARE NIGERIAN

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid tribute to the late Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as a truthful elder statesman who believed in the unity of Nigeria. Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a 99-year-old elder statesman, made this statement during a visit to the Clark family in Abuja.n In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, revealed that Alhaji Yakasai traced his relationship with Chief Clark back to the 60s when they served as commissioners in different states. Alhaji Yakasai described Chief Clark as a very firm, just, and truthful Nigerian who believed in the unity of Nigeria. “He was a rare Nigerian whose replacement shall be difficult to find,” he added. Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini further stated that Chief Clark and Alhaji Yakasai became closer when they joined the NPN political party. Their relationship became even closer as they interacted on national issues of unity, justice, and development of Nigeria before Chief Clark’s passing. The PANDEF National Chairman, Amb Godknows Igali, narrated the brief illness of Late Chief Clark and his last statement, “I love Nigeria, Nigeria is my country.” Amb Igali said that although they are bereaved, this calls for the celebration of the impactful life Chief Clark lived. Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini noted that dignitaries such as former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, President Goodluck Jonathan, and delegations from the Sultan of Sokoto and the Obong of Calabar, among others, have visited the Clark family. Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini signed off the statement.

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS THE PASSING OF CHIEF EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as a profound loss to Nigeria. Chief Clark, the late Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died on Monday at his residence at the age of 97. In a condolence message on Wednesday, the Vice President, in a statement, said the renowned nationalist and Ijaw national leader had a significant influence on Nigeria’s national discourse spanning over six decades, particularly on issues of resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta region. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said VP Shettima extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, describing the late Chief Clark as a distinguished patriot and a fearless advocate for justice and equity. “When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” VP Shettima said. Nkwocha stated that the Vice President paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Clark, recalling his advocacy for restructuring, which he said often put him at odds with various administrations but earned him respect across political divides. “Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency. “The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller whose interventions consistently redirected our national conversation toward justice and inclusivity,” VP Shettima stated. Nkwocha signed off the statement on behalf of the Office of the Vice President.