KIAGBODO, Delta State – Nigeria bid farewell today to one of its most prominent statesmen, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as his mortal remains were interred in his hometown of Kiagbodo, Delta State. The funeral service drew dignitaries from across the nation, united in honoring a man remembered as a towering nationalist, a relentless champion for equity and justice, and a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Among those paying their final respects was former President Goodluck Jonathan, who penned a heartfelt tribute acknowledging Chief Clark’s profound impact. “Today, we joined other Nigerians at a funeral service in Kiagbodo, Delta State, to pay our last respects to Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a great nationalist and fearless advocate for equity and justice,” Jonathan stated.
He further lauded Chief Clark as “an extraordinary activist and social reformer; a unifying force in a time of division and a formidable bridge where others built high walls.” This sentiment echoes the numerous accounts of Chief Clark’s decades-long career, marked by his unwavering commitment to the Niger Delta region, his vocal advocacy for resource control, and his influential role in shaping national discourse on issues of federalism and good governance.
Chief Clark, who passed away at the age of 97, leaves behind a legacy that spans decades of public service, including his time as a Federal Commissioner for Information under General Yakubu Gowon and his influential voice as an elder statesman. He was a key figure in the formation of various political movements and consistently spoke truth to power, earning him both admiration and respect across the political spectrum.
Jonathan’s tribute concluded with a poignant farewell: “Pa Clark, your journey on earth may have ended, but your light will never dim. You will live on in our hearts, in our history, and in the continuing journey towards the Nigeria you so deeply desired. Rest in peace, our dear father and leader.”
The outpouring of tributes and the solemn ceremony in Kiagbodo underscore the significant void left by Chief E. K. Clark’s passing. His life serves as an indelible chapter in Nigeria’s history, a testament to the power of principled advocacy and unwavering dedication to a more just and equitable nation. His contributions will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
