By Al Humphrey Onyanabo
TODAY, THE Niger Delta weeps. Nigeria mourns. The Ijaw nation, and indeed the entire world, has lost a colossus, a man whose life was a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the grandfather of the Ijaws worldwide, a fearless advocate for good governance, an anti-corruption crusader, and a tireless voice for the Niger Delta cause, has passed on. The news of his death, announced today, has sent shockwaves across the nation, eliciting an outpouring of grief from all who knew him, loved him, and were inspired by his life.
Pa Edwin Clark was not just a man; he was a movement, a force of nature who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential statesmen. His journey was one of service, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.
A Fearless Advocate for Good Governance
Pa Edwin Clark’s life was a masterclass in courage and conviction. As a young man, he witnessed the struggles of his people in the Niger Delta, a region blessed with abundant natural resources but plagued by poverty, neglect, and environmental degradation. This injustice fueled his determination to fight for a better future, not just for the Ijaw people, but for all Nigerians.
During the First Republic, Pa Clark served as a federal commissioner for education under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration. In this role, he championed policies aimed at improving access to education for all Nigerians, believing that education was the key to unlocking the nation’s potential. His tenure was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to the development of human capital.
However, Pa Clark’s fight for good governance extended far beyond his time in office. He was a vocal critic of bad leadership and a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability in public office. His voice was a constant reminder to those in power that the people’s welfare must always come first.
An Anti-Corruption Crusader
In a nation where corruption has often been a stumbling block to progress, Pa Edwin Clark stood as a bulwark against this menace. He was an anti-corruption crusader who understood that corruption was a cancer eating away at the fabric of Nigerian society. He fearlessly called out corrupt practices, even when it put him in harm’s way. His integrity was unwavering, and his commitment to fighting corruption was unwavering.
Pa Clark’s anti-corruption stance was not just about holding others accountable; it was about setting an example. He lived a life of simplicity and honesty, proving that true leadership is not about personal gain but about service to the people. His legacy in this regard will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to stand up against corruption and demand accountability from their leaders.
A Tireless Voice for the Niger Delta Cause
Pa Edwin Clark’s love for the Niger Delta was unparalleled. He was a tireless advocate for the development of the region, fighting for the rights of its people to benefit from the wealth extracted from their land. He was a key figure in the struggle for resource control and environmental justice, ensuring that the voices of the Niger Delta were heard at the highest levels of government.
His efforts brought attention to the plight of the Niger Delta, a region that has suffered decades of neglect and environmental degradation despite being the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Pa Clark’s advocacy paved the way for greater investment in the region’s development and inspired a new generation of activists to continue the fight for justice and equity.
A Member of NADECO and a Fighter for Democracy
During the dark days of military rule in Nigeria, Pa Edwin Clark stood on the frontlines of the struggle for democracy. He was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group that played a pivotal role in the fight to restore democratic governance in Nigeria. His courage and determination during this period earned him the respect and admiration of many Nigerians who yearned for a return to democratic rule.
Pa Clark’s involvement in the pro-democracy movement was not without risks. He faced threats, intimidation, and even arrest, but he never wavered. His belief in the power of democracy and the importance of good governance fueled his resolve, and his contributions to the struggle for democracy will forever be remembered as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history.
The Grandfather of the Ijaws Worldwide
To the Ijaw people, Pa Edwin Clark was more than a leader; he was a father, a mentor, and a unifying force. He was the grandfather of the Ijaws worldwide, a man who embodied the values of love, respect, and community. His leadership helped to strengthen the Ijaw identity and fostered a sense of pride and unity among Ijaws both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Pa Clark’s home in Kiagbodo was a sanctuary for many, a place where people could come to seek advice, support, or simply a listening ear. He was a man of great wisdom and compassion, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His legacy as a patriarch and a unifying figure will continue to inspire the Ijaw nation for generations to come.
A Nation in Mourning
The news of Pa Edwin Clark’s death has left a void that will be difficult to fill. Across the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and beyond, there is an outpouring of grief as people reflect on the life and legacy of this great man. Tributes have poured in from all corners of the nation, with leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens alike expressing their sorrow and gratitude for his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Pa Clark’s passing is not just a loss for the Ijaw people or the Niger Delta; it is a loss for Nigeria as a whole. He was a man who dedicated his life to fighting for a better future for all Nigerians, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a nation where justice, equity, and good governance prevail.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though Pa Edwin Clark may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and were touched by his life. His legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to the principles of equity and fairness. He was a man who stood up for what he believed in, even when the odds were against him. He was a man who fought for the rights of the marginalized and the oppressed. He was a man who dedicated his life to the service of others.
As we mourn the passing of this great man, let us also celebrate his life and the incredible impact he had on our nation. Let us honor his memory by continuing the fight for justice, equity, and good governance. Let us strive to build a Nigeria that Pa Edwin Clark would be proud of—a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
Rest in peace, Pa Edwin Clark. You were a true titan of Nigeria’s democracy, a fearless advocate for justice, and a beloved grandfather to the Ijaw nation. Your legacy will forever inspire us to fight for a better Nigeria. You may be gone, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew you and were touched by your life. Goodnight, great elder. Goodnight, our hero.
