A historic era in Nigeria’s political and administrative history ended on February 17, 2025 when Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, First Republic Minister, passed on. A repository of the country’s pre and post Independence political development, he was a recurrent figure throughout his 97-year sojourn.
He lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence, and post-independence eras with all the twists and turns. He espoused the virtues of federalism, equity and rule of law. He knew that creating an atmosphere that would energise the component federating units into a healthy competition holds the key to building a progressive and development-oriented Nigeria. When the intervention of the military scuppered the path to true federalism, Chief Clark did not waver even as he served the then military administration in the old Midwest Region.
Lawyer, Senator, Minister, nationalist, politician and journalist, Chief Clark served Nigeria in various capacities. As Commissioner for Education, Chief Clark was instrumental in establishing the Mid-West College of Technology, which later became the University of Benin. He was an outstanding leader not just for the South-South geopolitical zone and the Niger Delta but for Nigeria and the black race. As the foremost leader for the region, he was a courageous fighter until his last days, galvanising the Southern and Middle Belt peoples to campaign assiduously for restructuring the Nigerian polity and preached peace.
His journey through life serves as a profound testament to the power of resilience, the pursuit of justice, and the unyielding commitment to the development and betterment of his people. Over the years, he never relented in holding leaders of Niger Delta states to account. He fought corruption and believed that even as what accrued to the region as derivation from the crude oil explored in the region is grossly unfair, the leaders should be diligent in utilising the resources that came to their governments.
The elder statesman extended the same virtue to the federal level where he regularly called out government officials and top decision makers on the management of the nation’s resources. Indeed, his life story is one of persistence, fortitude, and a deep commitment to the betterment of his people.
No wonder his funeral not only offered another opportunity for political leaders to evaluate his immense contributions to nation building, buteulogise him. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led a galaxy of tributes, describing him his death as “a deeply sobering loss.”
The president said the Ijaw leader lived an illustrious life marked by dedicated service to Nigeria and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the chief mourner, urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the life and legacy of the first republic minister, saying he was a “patriotic leader” and “the conscience of the Nigerian nation.” Former President Goodluck Jonathan saw Chief Clark as a father figure, peerless icon and a relentless crusader for justice, who devoted his life to the betterment of the society.
For the Niger Delta which he led its Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) since its founding, the challenge is to keep aglow his virtues and commitment to the quest for equity, fiscal federalism and an egalitarian society. He pulled no punches in demanding probity and transparency in the management of public finances.
As Nigeria is wading through the labyrinth of the search for a fair union and federal arrangement, the Niger Delta has lost a powerful voice and leader that could articulate and defend the interests of the region. The major challenge is for the emergence of a successor leadership that will command the confidence, integrity and focus that were taken for granted under Pa Clark. At this critical time of Nigeria’s evolution, the Niger Delta cannot afford to come to the table with a team devoid of the passion and belief of the late leader.
It behoves the dedication of every stakeholder – lawmakers at federal and state levels, governors and political leaders – to key into the resoluteness, passion and unwavering commitment of the late PANDEF leader in the thorny path to an equitable federation in the days ahead.
Chief Clark has played his path creditably. The greatest tribute to be paid to him is for the principles he stood for to be upheld by the new leadership in Niger Delta. We say farewell to a quintessential patriot, a great Nigerian, a Niger Delta citizen of incomparable status, a crusader of truth and justice, a defender of his people, but above all, a man who spoke truth to power without fear. We will sorely miss him!
