ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Elder statesman and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Edwin Clark, has passed away at the age of 97.
His death was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by a representative of the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, Prof. C. C. Clark.
“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family”, the statement read.
Clark’s passing follows closely after that of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at 96 just days ago.
Both late Pa Adebanjo’s and late Clark, were pivotal figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, advocating for democracy, regional equity, and national unity.
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In 2022, Clark and Adebanjo attended the Greater Nigeria Conference (GNC) in Abuja, an event organized by Nzuko Umunna, a global Igbo think tank, to rally support for a South-East presidency in the 2023 general elections.
A lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter, Clark dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of the Niger Delta region.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region (1968-1971) and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in Bendel State (1972-1975).
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and later became a Senator (1979-1983). Beyond politics, he played a key role in mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta.
Most recently, Clark spearheaded efforts to reconcile Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, Nyesom Wike.
He appointed former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, as Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, to lead peace talks.
This initiative was outlined in a communiqué issued after PANDEF’s special General Assembly in Port Harcourt on October 24, 2024.
Ac3to Punch, Clark’s death marks the end of an era for regional advocacy and national dialogue in Nigeria, leaving a legacy of fearless political engagement and unwavering activism.