By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Former federal Commissioner, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed on recently, has been described as one of Nigeria’s most iconic nation-builders, a fearless patriot, whose life’s work spanned generations, bridged ethnic divides, and championed justice with unwavering conviction.
Prof. Steve Azaiki, who paid his tribute, extolled the late elder statesman as “a man forged from the same moral steel as the Nelson Mandelas of this world.”
In his tribute titled, “The Man E.K. Clark: A Life of Service, Courage and Sacrifice,” Prof. Azaiki’s message powerfully reflects on the legacy of a man revered both as an Ijaw leader and a national conscience.
According to him, “To understand the stature of Pa Clark, “one must place him alongside Niger Delta giants like Adaka Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye, Ernest Ikoli, and Ken Saro-Wiwa. He stood at the confluence of resistance, reform, and reason. Indeed, he was sui generis—one of a kind.”
Born in 1927 in Kiagbodo, in the present-day Delta State, Edwin Clark’s journey began as a humble schoolteacher.
His thirst for knowledge led him abroad to study law—training that would prepare him for a distinguished life in public service and advocacy.
From his early political role as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953 to his tenure as Commissioner for Education in the Midwestern Region, where he played a pivotal role in founding the University of Benin, Pa Clark’s vision never strayed from people-centered governance.
According to Prof. Azaiki, Clark, “believed that human capital was the bedrock of progress. His commitment to enduring institutions—like the establishment of Edwin Clark University in 2015 and the founding of PANDEF in 2016—was a reflection of his belief in sacrifice over self.
“In national affairs, Chief Clark consistently championed the cause of federalism and equity.
“At the 1966 constitutional conference, he opposed the idea of a loose confederation, insisting on a united and indivisible Nigeria.
“Decades later, in 2017, he was still at the forefront, urging for true federalism and resource control.
“We will continue to demand true federalism—where states manage their God-given resources,” Clark famously declared as PANDEF leader.
“Even in his twilight years, he remained vocal. In 2021, he challenged then-President Buhari to implement the APC’s restructuring report, decrying the delays that deepened national frustration and inequality,” he added.
Prof. Azaiki recalled a defining moment during preparations for the 2005 National Political Reform Conference when he, then Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, and Governor D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha convened a pre-confab summit in Yenagoa.
His words, “At that summit, Chief Clark was unanimously chosen as leader of the South-South delegation to Abuja.
“At the Conference, he was articulate, bold, and candid. He won the respect of leaders across the nation,” Azaiki said.
He further noted that “throughout his career, Pa Clark never wavered in speaking truth to power, defending marginalized communities and advancing the cause of neglected regions, particularly the Niger Delta.”
As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, Prof. Azaiki called for renewed commitment to the ideals Pa Clark stood for.
“Restructuring must not remain a campaign slogan. Political parties must adopt clear, actionable frameworks for devolution of power,” he stressed.
“The youth, civil society, and voters must mobilize to make true federalism the central issue on the ballot,” he added.
He warned against another cycle of “promise and inaction,” emphasizing that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of citizens willing to vote for structural reform.
In his concluding remarks, Azaiki made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to immortalize the late elder statesman
“Let the newly created South-South Development Commission name its headquarters after Chief Edwin Clark. Let the Ijaw National Congress, in collaboration with Bayelsa State, establish an annual memorial lecture in his honour,” he said.
He also expressed deep gratitude to the Royal House of Grace International Church for hosting the event, and to the Rivers Elders & Leadership Forum for their “wisdom and foresight” in organizing the tribute.
Chief Edwin Clark was, in Azaiki’s words, “a voice for the voiceless, a teacher to the nation, and a moral compass for leaders. His impact on Nigeria is immeasurable.
“As we honour Pa Clark, let it not be a mere act of remembrance. Let us mirror his service, courage, and sacrifice. Let every ballot cast in 2027 reflect the Nigeria he envisioned—just, equitable, and truly federal”, he said.
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