On Tuesday, Nigerians received the depressing news of the passing of Edwin Clark, one of its elder statesmen.  ,
His family said Clark died on Monday. They demanded “prayers at this time,” and added that “an announcement about his passage would follow.”
A fiery advocate for the country’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, Clark who died at 97, leaves a legacy of sacrifice, leadership, and dedication to the fight for justice and equity in the country.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader will be greatly missed, having just come to the loss of another nationalist and elder statesman, Ayo Adebanjo. A passionate advocate for restructuring, Clark dedicated his life to fighting for marginalised people and equity for the country’s diverse ethnic nationalities.
Even after his death, his remarks on a number of national issues, including restructuring, constitutional reforms, and the rights of the Niger Delta people, will continue to resonate with Nigerians.
His thoughts on a number of national issues are included in this video compilation:
A Restructuring Advocate
Apart from his support for the Niger Delta region, Clark is best known for his enthusiasm for the country’s restructuring.
On many occasions, he argued for an amendment to the Constitution. This, he believed, was essential to a more balanced nation, putting every region into consideration.
Clark called for the implementation of these reports, even though there have been many reports of restructuring.
The Delta-born nationalist never skimmed the importance of a reorganized nation to better serve the country’s diverse interests.
Believer of a Secured Nigeria
In his desire for a more secure nation, Clark’s support for a restructured Nigeria was rooted.
With a myriad of security issues facing Africa’s most populous nation including banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft, and other sundry crimes, the elder statesman never failed to call the authorities ‘ attention to these issues.
He claimed that governors could do better in securing their states with the resources at their disposal.
Clark: A Fearless Voice of the Niger Delta
As the PANDEF leader, the Niger Delta region’s struggles with insecurity, environmental degradation, and perceived marginalisation were recurring themes during Clark’s sojourn. ]embed] https: //youtube.com/watch? v=MRS6URhdKPo&si=6LGEjUQ-xej–g-Q]/embed]
He argued that these issues had caused the region’s unrest and conflicts, and that there is therefore a need for equity and justice.
His death, no doubt, leaves a void in the advocacy for equity for Nigeria’s oil-bearing states.
A Nationalist at 90
Expectably, the former Federal Commissioner for Information celebrated his 90th birthday seven years ago with a spectacular display.
Leaders from all over the nation attended the event, which served as a fitting reminder of the late Clark’s commitment to resource control, equity and fairness, and restructuring.
A Champion for a United Nigeria
The leader of the South-South also stressed the need for a peaceful, united Nigeria.
Farewell to a Patriot
Source: Channels TV
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