By PROMINENT leaders from the Ijaw nation and across Nigeria gathered in Yenagoa on Monday to pay glowing tributes to the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, at a solemn commendation service in his honour.
Among the dignitaries were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, former Governor Seriake Dickson, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba.
Dr. Jonathan hailed Clark as a selfless leader who devoted his life to the service of others.
He called for unity among the Ijaw people, stressing that such solidarity would be the most fitting way to preserve the elder statesman’s legacy.
In his remarks, Governor Diri described Chief Clark as a man of immense courage and unwavering commitment to justice.
He announced that Bayelsa State would immortalise Clark and other notable Ijaw figures by naming major public landmarks after them.
Peter Obi praised Clark’s steadfast advocacy for equity and national cohesion.
He noted that Clark’s influence and principled stance transcended ethnic boundaries, making him a true champion of the downtrodden.
Other tributes came from Senator Seriake Dickson, PANDEF Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali, and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President Jonathan Lokpobiri, all of whom described the late icon—who passed away at the age of 97—as a fearless voice for the oppressed and a unifying figure in Nigeria’s national discourse.
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