On Monday, February 17, 2025, the family of ijaw leader and elderstatesman, Chief Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, announced his passing at the age of 97. It was the end of a beautiful era. His death drew the curtain on pragmatic leadership, selfless service, courage, and resilience to oppressive and repressive tendencies against his people.
Clark was a giant whose loud voice was well respected. Like courage, he was also blessed with wisdom. Since 1996, when he became the self-proclaimed leader of the Ijaw people, he has been actively involved in advocating for their interests, welfare, and well-being. He led from the front in times of crisis, and at no time did he shy away from speaking the truth to power no matter whose ox was gored. He had an unwavering commitment to justice and an unparalleled disposition to equity, unity, and fairness.
Pa Clark was more than a statesman. He was a symbol of patriotism, the hope of many generations, as well as a guardian of the Niger Delta. Like President Bola Tinubu said in his tribute, Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. "Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic,” Tinubu said.
Following his passing, the Ijaw Nation is now faced with the biggest challenge of who to step into his shoes and continue from where he stopped. The yawning gap cum wide vacuum created by his exit has to be quickly filled so as not to leave the space empty for too long. But who will that person be? Surprisingly, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has declared that he cannot take over from the late sage. He has made it clear that the responsibility of the leadership role that the nonagenarian played was too enormous for him. "The shoes he wore are too big for my feet to fit into," Jonathan declared.
So, if not Jonathan who then? Who is that person that can command respect like the late Clark did? Someone whose words will bring fire and brimstone. Someone with the right passion to pursue with boldness the needs of the people of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the niger delta. Someone that will confront anybody or group to demand what is right and stand by it no matter the persecution. A person with an untainted integrity and self-worth.
Among those being looked at that could replace Pa Clark are Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, Chief Atedor Peterside, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Proffessor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, and Governors Douye Diri and Siminalayi Fubara. All of these men are capable in their own right. They also have age on their side with some of them having a rich track record of activism that can emboldened them to carry on the legacy of Pa Clark.
But Igali and Dickson seems to be the closest fit. Igali, an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), is a diplomat, an author and a retired federal permanent secretary. Although soft spoken, his vast experience and knowledge about the Ijaw issues is a major plus. He is the current chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, (PANDEF), a socio-cultural movement founded by the Late Pa Clark in 2016. He has the connection and with support from ijaw people he can do well as their leader.
However, 59-year-old Senator Dickson, the current lawmaker representing the people of Bayelsa West Senetorial District seems to be the best man for the role. Outspoken, dynamic, and vibrant, Dickson served as governor of Bayelsa State for eight years. During that time, he promoted like never before the ijaw agenda. He protected the ijaw identity and ensured that no ijaw man or woman was treated unfairly on account of their minority status. Dickson went as far as creating a special ministry of Ijaw Affairs with an ijaw son Felix Tuodolo as the pioneer commissioner.
He is known for his mastery in leadership and oratory. He is the younger version of Pa Clark. He has this intimidating status due to his large built and frame. Fearless in all ramifications. He has been part of the ijaw struggle for years before his foray into partisan politics and so have a good grasp of what the issues are and equally knows what to bring on the table. He can be controversial because of his style and approach to certain issues.
Who ijaw people and by extension Niger Delta settle for is very important and they must do so as fast as possible because of what is ahead of them. Therefore, the search for Pa Clark's successor should begin immediately and after his remains is committed to mother earth, the direction should be known. Else, the long vacuum may affect the people as they continue to demand for their inalienable rights.
