The Senate, on Wednesday at plenary, paid glowing tributes to the late Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Edwin Clark, who died on February 17 at 97.
In a motion sponsored by Senator Joel- Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta) and co-sponsored by 16 other senators, the upper chamber resolved to urge the Federal Government to immortalise the late Clark by naming a national monument after him.
The upper legislative chamber also resolved to send a strong delegation to commiserate and attend the burial and obsequies (funeral rites) of the late Clark, being a member of the hallowed chambers.
The senate also observed a minute silence in his honour.
Moving the motion, Thomas noted that Pa Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State.
He noted, “He attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka.
He said, “Thereafter, Clark worked briefly as a school teacher before travelling to the United Kingdom to earn a law degree.’’.
Thomas recalled that in 2016, Clark founded the PANDEF along with other leaders.
He added, “The organisation’s stated objective is to dialogue with stakeholders and lobby for increased attention and implementation of restructuring, development and security policies by the government of Nigeria. Pa Edwin Clark was a nationalist, renowned lawyer, seasoned administrator, philanthropist and an astute advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta.’’
In his contribution, Senator Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta), said that Mr Clark was never afraid “to speak truth to power. He was not just a political leader; he was a father. His will power will be missed,” he said.
Also, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), said that the late Clark’s main achievements were well known by all, adding that he served meticulously and was an iconic leader.
For Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia), he noted that, “We acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria and especially, as has been pointed out by everyone here, his fight for the marginalised and the underprivileged.
“Today, as we pay tribute to him, we can thank him for his sagacity and for his steadfast courage in speaking truth to power. And he always had this implicit trust that he was going to be a leader. That Nigeria will be better than it is today.”
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi) described Clark as a nationalist per excellence.
He said, “He preached unity, he preached brotherhood. He was a bridge builder, bringing people from different ethnic groups together to live in peace.”
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro said, “It is very sad that we lost him at the time his wise counsel was most needed. So, it will still be kind to him to say that Edwin Clark was certainly one of the formidable founding fathers of modern Nigeria.”
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said that the late Clark inspired everyone irrespective of ethnicity.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the late Clark did his best to fight for the rights of the minorities across the entire country.
“So, he traversed from Niger Delta to the North and tried to unite them. And he tried his best in a system like Nigeria, with different ethnic groups. He had a very strong balance. His voice resonated above the age of 90. At any point in time when Edwin Clark speaks, you see the passion that he was speaking about Nigeria.”
(NAN)
