The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr Dennis Otuaro, has described the death of Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at the age of 97 as "a huge loss to Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and other minorities in the country."

The PAP Boss statement expressing sadness over the death of the elder statesman and foremost leader of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta and the South-South region was released by the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr Igoniko Oduma, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

The Administrator further described the late Clark "as a great patriot, nationalist, teacher, lawyer, administrator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics who made immense contributions to the political development and unity of the country."

Otuaro said that Clark's public service records spanning pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria were legendary, and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment and dedication to nation building.

The PAP helmsman noted that Clark was a charismatic leader and mentor under whose tutelage prominent socio-political platforms like the Ijaw National Congress (INC), South South Peoples Assembly, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF) became strong leading voices for regional and national cohesion built on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.

He further stated that as a fearless Ijaw man, Clark was a tireless and consistent freedom fighter for minority rights and a powerful advocate for true federalism, resource control, environmental justice, economic development and better living condition for his people in the Niger Delta.

The PAP Boss further said that as a growing young Ijaw man, he learnt and benefitted valuable life-lessons at the feet of the departed elder statesman which had helped him a great deal in his life.

He added that Clark's sharp, magnetic memory and his ability to recall incidents that happened many years ago even in his old age stood him out as a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom.

Otuaro said he was profoundly saddened by the passing of a warrior-father and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Clark's family, the Ijaw nation and indeed the people of the Niger Delta.

He prayed God to grant the soul of Clark eternal rest and comfort his family.

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