Jonathan: Edwin Clark was face, voice of the oppressed across Nigeria

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described Edwin Clark, the late elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as a man who lived for others and championed causes he believed in with unwavering conviction.

Jonathan spoke at the late Clark’s commendation service and lying-in-state ceremony held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital.

The former president said the only meaningful way to honour Clark’s legacy was for the Ijaw people to remain united, regardless of kingdom or clan.

“The key thing for us, the Ijaw people from Arogbo in the coastal part of Ondo state to Eastern Obolo in the coastal part of Akwa Ibom state to honour Pa Clark, is to unite and not to discriminate against ourselves,” Jonathan said.

“Clark has done very well for us. He was a face of the Niger Delta and not just for the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

“He was also the face of the oppressed people from the Middle Belt, and other tribes visited him more than the Ijaws.

“He was very vocal and brave and can tackle any human being at any time if you raise issues that are against his philosophy.”

Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, said the Ijaw nation was privileged to have had a father like Clark, whom he described as fearless, intelligent and deeply committed to his people and country.

“We are not mourning but celebrating the good deeds of Chief Clark,” Diri said.

“I like us to take a cue from his steadfastness and love for his people, as he always spoke about the unity and development of the Ijaw people until his last moments.”

Diri announced that the Bayelsa executive council had constituted a committee to consider naming streets and key infrastructure after prominent Ijaw figures, including Clark, Jonathan and former governor Seriake Dickson.

He called on Ijaw people to cultivate sincere love for one another beyond politics.

“Let us go back to the days when we had no fences in our villages, where we lived a communal life of freedom and justice,” the governor said.

“There are those who have sacrificed their lives for us so that we will have a homogeneous Ijaw state. One of those who fought for the creation of Bayelsa was Pa Clark.”

Dickson, the senator representing Bayelsa west, said the Ijaw nation has lost one of its best in Clark, who devoted his life to public service and was a respected voice across Nigeria.

He expressed hope that another leader of Clark’s stature would emerge from the Ijaw.

Godknows Igali, national chairman of PANDEF, said Clark’s final admonition to his people was for unity and strength.

He said the late elder statesman embodied the Ijaw identity and never shied away from expressing it.

Jonathan Lokpobiri, president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), also paid tribute to the late elder statesman, describing Clark as a national figure who never relented in his defence of the Ijaw cause.

Among those present at the event were Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa deputy governor; Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election; Patience Jonathan, former first lady; Fred Agbedi, member of the house of representatives; state lawmakers, commissioners and other dignitaries.

Clark died on February 17 at the age of 97.