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The death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics.
Clark, who passed away at the age of 97, was a strong advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta and a fearless voice in national affairs.
Here are ten key things to know about his life and legacy:
He Was Born in 1927
Chief Edwin Clark was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. He hailed from the Ijaw ethnic group, one of the largest in the Niger Delta.
He was a lawyer and education advocate
Clark was well-educated and trained as a lawyer.
He was passionate about education and often emphasized its role in the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
He served as a commissioner in the mid-western region
Between 1968 and 1971, he was appointed Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region (now part of Edo and Delta states).
Later, he served as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State from 1972 to 1975.
He was Nigeria’s federal commissioner for information
In 1975, Clark was appointed Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information under the military government of General Yakubu Gowon.
He played a crucial role in shaping public policy and government communication during that period.
He was a senator in the Second Republic
Clark was elected a senator in 1979 during Nigeria’s Second Republic and served until 1983.
His tenure was cut short by the military coup that brought Major General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
He was a strong advocate for the Niger Delta
Clark dedicated much of his life to fighting for the rights of the Niger Delta people, calling for resource control and a fair share of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
He played a key role in dialogues between Niger Delta militants and the federal government.
He founded the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
As a response to the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta, Clark helped establish PANDEF, a group that pushed for regional interests, restructuring, and better governance in Nigeria.
He was a vocal nationalist and political critic
Clark was known for his fearless stance on national issues.
He frequently criticized bad governance, corruption, and policies he believed were against the interests of Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations.
He supported Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency
As a staunch advocate for the South-South region, Clark was a strong supporter of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He defended Jonathan’s administration and called for greater inclusion of Niger Delta leaders in national politics.
He lived to witness nearly a century of Nigeria’s history
Having been born before Nigeria’s independence, Clark witnessed the country’s major political transitions—from colonial rule to independence, military regimes, civil war, and the return to democracy.
His political experience made him one of the country’s most respected elder statesmen.
Chief Edwin Clark’s legacy as a fearless advocate, nationalist, and defender of the Niger Delta cause will continue to inspire many.
His death marks the loss of a significant figure in Nigeria’s history, but his contributions to the country’s political and social landscape will not be forgotten.