Chief Edwin Clark, the former federal commissioner of information, was a true protector of the people, according to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has expressed its sorrow for him.
Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said in a statement released in Abuja that the patriot and elder statesman’s passing was a national tragedy.
Clark led the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and was a leading social justice advocate in Nigeria. According to Ologunagba, the elder statesman was a fearless lawyer, honest politician, educator, and trustworthy leader who fought for the rights and welfare of the populace.
“He was an outstanding voice in the demand for true federalism, resource control, openness in governance and prudent management of the country’s resources.
“These are key elements for the much-desired mutual respect, trust, unity, stability, peaceful co-existence and rapid development in a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria, where every section is enabled to contribute its quota with emphasis on the principle of derivation.”
“Our party acknowledges Chief Clark’s advisory roles to the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government.
“He contributed immensely to the success of that administration in its delivery of unprecedented socio-economic, infrastructural development, employment, business opportunities resulting in better living standard for Nigerians.
“Indeed, Chief Clark’s death is a huge national loss as he passed on at a time our nation and humanity needed his wise counsel and firm voice of direction the most.
“Though our party mourn, we celebrate Chief Clark as a great Nigerian whose legacies would remain indelible and continue to inspire generations to come,’’ he said.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.