By Eseoghene Emuke
As reactions continue to trail the passage of a former federal commissioner of information, Chief Edwin Clark, a former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman, describing him as a fearless fighter and true federalist.
This is even as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, and Niger Delta activist and outspoken social commentator, Olorogun Zik Gbemre, have also described the passage of Chief Clark as a big loss.
Clark, founder and convener of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and South and South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBL), passed on at his Abuja residence on Monday in presence of family members.
The late Clark, who held several positions including a senator, was an outspoken and critic of successive governments and also led the battle for the development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Ibori, Tompolo and Gbemre in separate statements on Tuesday described Clark as a force to reckon with and fearless in speaking truth to power, especially for the plight of underdeveloped Niger Delta region.
According to Ibori, “Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (E. K. Clark) was a fearless fighter, a staunch federalist, and an exceptional leader of our time. He never hesitated to speak the truth when it mattered most, serving as a moral compass for the Ijaw Nation, Delta State, and Nigeria at large.
“In him burned the true spirit of the Niger Delta—courage, determination, and an unyielding commitment to justice. His leadership was a beacon of hope and resilience, and his passing leaves a profound void. We will sorely miss his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering voice. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Tomopolo Mourns Pa. Clark, Says He Was A Potent Voice For Niger Delta
On his part, Tompolo, who described Clark as a father figure and a leading light in the country, noted that he received the news of his death with a rude shock.
He said the people of the South-South geopolitical zone and indeed, Nigeria, have lost a “unique and potent voice” which he noted was a gift from God.
“I also extend my condolences to the people of the South-South Geopolitical Zone and Nigeria in general for the death of our illustrious father. The news came to me with a rude shock, as I was not expecting this kind of news this morning. Even though he was old, he was full of life and kicking. Hence, I was surprised to hear of his death this morning.
“Nigeria lost its unique and potent voice in the South-South geopolitical zone, which was a unique gift from God.
“There is no denying that this death has put a vacuum in the country’s leadership structure. He was a democratic and socio-economic crusader.
“Senator Clark was a strong, fearless, and irrepressible individual who spoke truth to power. He was a voice for the voiceless and a father for the fatherless. We will miss him”, Tompolo, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, added.
Clark Was An Institution Says Zik Gbemre
Also speaking on the passage, prominent Niger Delta activist, Olorogun Zik Gbemre, described Chief Clark as an institution and leader of the South-South, who would be sorely missed for his fearless advocacy.
Gbemre in the statement said Clark was a proud of Ijaw and Urhobo Nations where he paternally hailed from Kiagbodo and maternally from Erhuwharen in Ughievwen Kingdom both in Burutu and and Ughelli South LGAs of Delta State.
“Pa E.K Clark who has passed, Monday night 17th February 2025, was a household name, an institution himself and foremost leader of South-South.
Paternally from Kiagbodo an Ijaw town of Burutu LGA and maternally from Erhuwaren town of Ughievwen in Ughelli South LGA. Pa Clark was a great man and will be missed by people of the South South, especially for his fearless advocacy in Nigeria.
“He was known for being outspoken. Whenever any administration was taking any decision being it at the national or state level on the South-South, they were always mindful of Clark’s reaction, like what would E.K Clark say if the decision was unfavourable to the South-South people?
“E.K Clark was most respected South-South leader. One of the greatest critics of the immediate past governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa.
“E.K Clark acted the role of balance and checks on the excesses of leaders no matter who and what was involved”, he added.
