Gbenekama mourns passage of Pa. Clark, describes his demise as a huge vacuum to Niger Delta, Nigeria

Gbenekama mourns passage of Pa. Clark, describes his demise as a huge vacuum to Niger Delta, Nigeria

By: Celestine Ukah 

A Pan Niger Delta leader and (Fiyewei) Spokesman of the great Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, High Chief GodsPower Gbenekama JP mourns the passage of Elder Statesman and a father in Niger Delta, Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

Chief Dr. Gbenekama, in his condolence to the family of the Elder Statesman and former Information Minister, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, described the demise of Pa. Clark as a huge loss and vacuum to the people of the Niger Delta region, Nigeria, and Africa, saying his fatherly role and leadership contributions to the country will be greatly missed.

The Gbaramatu Kingdom Spokesman said the passing of the foremost nationalist, educationist, legal practitioner, freedom fighter, and restructuring advocate marks the end of an unforgettable era.

According to Chief Gbenekama, “The departure of Pa. Clark at 97 marks a watershed moment in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, pre-independence, and post-independence eras, Chief Edwin Clark was a true embodiment of Nigerian history.

“Chief Clark’s involvement in the pre-independence period, when he was elected Councillor for Bomadi in 1953, and his tenure with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), along with his intellectual contributions as a member of the West African Students’ Union while studying at Holborn College, London, set him apart as a patriot of the highest order.

“From his remarkable contributions in the 1960s, when he served as a member of an advisory committee to the Military Governor of the Mid-Western Region, David Ejoor, and later as a cabinet member in the administration of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia, to his appointment as Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975 by then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Clark demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Nigerian cause.”

Chief God’sPower Gbenekama said the late Ijaw leader’s instrumental role in the establishment of educational institutions significantly impacted society, adding that Chief Clark played a key role in the establishment of the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin. The former senator and founder of Edwin Clark University had an unrelenting passion for education.

“Pa. Clark played a unifying role during the MEND era and actually contributed to stem the Avengers days where all the pipeline of the Niger Delta were almost destroyed.

“His contribution in the emergence of the Regional Oganisation, Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) assisted in bringing down the menace of pipeline vandalism in the days of Avengers. Pa. Clark truly was an active participant with others who became errand boys to papa in dousing the tension in the Niger Delta and beyond, we would miss him greatly”. Chief Gbenekama stated.