By KIAGBODO – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, led an array of dignitaries from across the country to Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, to pay final respects to the late elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Kiagbodo Edwin Clark.
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The distinguished nationalist was laid to rest in his hometown, Kiagbodo, following a well-attended funeral service.
Chief Edwin Clark passed on 17 February 2025, at the remarkable age of 97.
The funeral service, held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, drew prominent figures from the political, religious and traditional spheres.
Among those present were former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Others included former Governor of old Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George, and former Bayelsa Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, alongside a host of serving and former lawmakers.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the late Pa Edwin Clark as “a patriot and champion of both his community and the nation.”
“Though he lived to a ripe age, his passing leaves an irreplaceable void—for me, for the Niger Delta, the Ijaw nation, and for Nigeria as a whole.
“He was a beacon of courage who stood firmly for his beliefs, especially against injustice and corruption,” President Tinubu remarked.
He further praised Clark’s unwavering advocacy for resource control and environmental justice, noting that he remained committed to a united Nigeria built on equity and justice until his final days.
In his tribute, former President Jonathan hailed Clark as “an extraordinary human being and a staunch defender of justice, fairness and national cohesion.”
“Pa Clark was a mentor, a father, and a true statesman whose love for the Niger Delta and Nigeria was unwavering.
“He was a unifying force, and we must uphold the noble ideals he lived and died for,” Jonathan stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio reflected on Clark’s legacy, saying, “His memory will never fade. His life is a challenge to all of us to continue the fight for the development of the Niger Delta in line with his vision.”
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, speaking on behalf of his fellow governors, pledged that the legacy of Pa Edwin Clark would be preserved for future generations.
As part of this commitment, Governors Oborevwori, Diri, and Eno pledged to build a new memorial church in Kiagbodo to fulfil Clark’s long-standing dream of constructing a state-of-the-art sanctuary in the community.
In further support of the project, Senator Akpabio donated N50 million towards the renovation and new building, while Governor Bala Mohammed matched the donation with another N50 million.
Senator George Akume pledged N10 million for the provision of church seats.
The Most Revd Cyril Odutemu, Anglican Archbishop of Ughelli Diocese, who officiated the service, commended the generous donations and assured that they would be used judiciously, noting that such gestures were acts of legacy, not charity.
In his homily, Archbishop Odutemu extolled Pa Edwin Clark’s exemplary life of service, asserting that “a good name is better than riches.”
He urged Nigerians to honour Clark’s memory by working to build a better nation, reminding the congregation that “the country many criticise today was built by people like Pa Edwin Clark.”
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