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Clark: A Distinguished Patriot, Icon of National Unity -Gov Diri

...Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Mast

Published

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 05:10 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

Clark: A Distinguished Patriot, Icon of National Unity -Gov Diri

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and a prominent nationalist.

Governor Diri described Chief Clark’s demise as a significant loss to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.

Chief Clark, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97, was a statesman of exceptional repute, known for his unwavering commitment to national development and the advancement of the Niger Delta region.

His passing was formally announced by the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State.

In his condolence message, Governor Diri highlighted Chief Clark’s lifelong dedication to the service of Nigeria. He noted that Clark remained an irrepressible voice for justice, equity, and good governance until his last days.

The governor emphasized that the Ijaw nation has lost a father-figure whose contributions to national discourse and regional development were unparalleled.

"Chief Clark was an icon and a treasure of inestimable value," Governor Diri stated. "He was a distinguished patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the cause of justice and national unity. Even in his twilight years, he remained resolute in his advocacy for a better Nigeria."

To honor his legacy, Governor Diri directed that all flags in Bayelsa State be flown at half-mast for three days. Additionally, all activities marking the government’s fifth anniversary have been suspended for the same period as a mark of respect for the late elder statesman.

Chief Edwin Clark’s influence in Nigeria’s political landscape spanned over five decades. He was a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a leading figure in the South-South region’s struggle for resource control and development.

As the founding chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), he championed the rights and interests of oil-producing communities, advocating for equitable resource allocation and infrastructural development.

Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Chief Clark’s educational journey took him through Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before he proceeded to the Government Teacher Training College, now part of Delta State University, Abraka.

He later earned a law degree abroad, which propelled him into a distinguished career in public service.

His political career began in 1966 when he served as a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor.

He later rose through the ranks to become a key figure in General Yakubu Gowon’s administration, serving as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975. His tenure solidified his status as a formidable political figure and an unyielding advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta people.

Governor Diri extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the government of Delta State, and the entire Ijaw nation. He prayed for divine strength and fortitude for all those mourning the loss of this great leader.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Clark: A Distinguished Patriot, Icon of National Unity -Gov Diri

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and a prominent nationalist.

Governor Diri described Chief Clark’s demise as a significant loss to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.

Chief Clark, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97, was a statesman of exceptional repute, known for his unwavering commitment to national development and the advancement of the Niger Delta region.

His passing was formally announced by the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State.

In his condolence message, Governor Diri highlighted Chief Clark’s lifelong dedication to the service of Nigeria. He noted that Clark remained an irrepressible voice for justice, equity, and good governance until his last days.

The governor emphasized that the Ijaw nation has lost a father-figure whose contributions to national discourse and regional development were unparalleled.

"Chief Clark was an icon and a treasure of inestimable value," Governor Diri stated. "He was a distinguished patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the cause of justice and national unity. Even in his twilight years, he remained resolute in his advocacy for a better Nigeria."

To honor his legacy, Governor Diri directed that all flags in Bayelsa State be flown at half-mast for three days. Additionally, all activities marking the government’s fifth anniversary have been suspended for the same period as a mark of respect for the late elder statesman.

Chief Edwin Clark’s influence in Nigeria’s political landscape spanned over five decades. He was a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a leading figure in the South-South region’s struggle for resource control and development.

As the founding chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), he championed the rights and interests of oil-producing communities, advocating for equitable resource allocation and infrastructural development.

Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Chief Clark’s educational journey took him through Effurun, Okrika, and Afugbene before he proceeded to the Government Teacher Training College, now part of Delta State University, Abraka.

He later earned a law degree abroad, which propelled him into a distinguished career in public service.

His political career began in 1966 when he served as a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor.

He later rose through the ranks to become a key figure in General Yakubu Gowon’s administration, serving as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975. His tenure solidified his status as a formidable political figure and an unyielding advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta people.

Governor Diri extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the government of Delta State, and the entire Ijaw nation. He prayed for divine strength and fortitude for all those mourning the loss of this great leader.

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