Kiagbodo: Delta NUJ Visits Pa EK Family; Describe Him as an Inspirational Leader, Minority Rights Advocate
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe has described Pa EK Clark as an inspiration leader whose voice was vocal in agitating for minority rights and development of the Niger Delta in commensurate measure of her natural resources.
Comrade Oyowe stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Pa EK Clark family at his country home in Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area in company of some members of the union.
He said the visit was to condole with the Clark, Fuludu and Ambakaderemo families and to celebrate the life and times of the elder statesman and nationalist whose demise had created a huge loss to the Ijaw nation, Delta State, Niger Delta, South South region and the nation at large.
Comrade Oyowe who paid glowing tribute to the late icon, described Pa Clark as an inspiration to the younger generation,having inspired many young people to take up advocacy and leadership roles. He affirmed that his vocal and tireless advocacy for minority rights and development of the Niger Delta would remain indelible.
He noted that Pa Clark’s stance on issues of minorities and underdevelopment was unwavering coupled with his firm belief in speaking truth to power,no matter whose ox was gored earned him great respect among his contemporaries.
According to him, Pa Clark was a frontliner in the formation of the Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF and other social cultural and ethnic associations just to draw attention of the government to the plight of the marginalized people and agitate for their rights without fear of attack.
The NUJ State Chairman who expressed heartfelt condolence to the Clark family on behalf of Journalists in Delta State, said the demise of the elder statesman sent shockwaves across the country with notable figures paying tribute because of his legacy in all facet of human endeavours.
While describing Pa Clark as a friend of the media, Comrade Oyowe pledged the union’s commitment to playing any role in the burial ceremony, to demonstrate the NUJ’s respect and admiration for the late elder statesman.
Responding, the eldest daughter of Pa EK Clark, Mrs Rebecca Clark – Okorodudu expressed joy at the visit by the Chairman of Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, saying the visit was deeply appreciated by the family.
She said her father meant many things to different people because of the fearless role he played in advocating for minority rights and the development of the Niger Delta region, adding that the family had lost irreplaceable personality.
