Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as a fearless elder statesman who was unwavering in his dedication to justice and leadership.
Jonathan made the remarks on Wednesday during a condolence visit to the family of Clark, led by Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa. The delegation gathered to honor the legacy of the late PANDEF leader.
Reflecting on Clark’s leadership, Jonathan shared, “A friend in Benue State called me and asked me to take over the leadership, but I said the shoes he wore, my feet are too tiny to fit in.” Jonathan commended Clark’s remarkable courage and boldness, noting that he was a leader who never shied away from confronting authority. “He could confront anybody, even though he was from a minority group,” Jonathan said, emphasizing that Clark was not just a leader for the Ijaw people, but for all Nigerians.
Jonathan further noted that when Clark served as a federal commissioner, he was still in primary school, underscoring the immense stature of the late leader. “He spoke to presidents, he challenged them, and he came out with fire and brimstone to challenge injustice,” Jonathan recalled.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa also spoke of Clark’s unwavering commitment to truth, noting that Clark had a unique ability to speak truth to power regardless of who was involved. “For us from his own ethnic nationality, the Ijaw, there are shoes that will be difficult for anybody to fill,” Diri said. He described Clark as a man who was brutally frank, stating that his last book exemplified his commitment to truth.
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, remembered Clark for his “passion and love” for Nigeria, stressing that his legacy should inspire a renewed sense of urgency in the country’s leadership to pursue the principles for which Clark lived and fought.
Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, referred to Clark as a “father of fathers” and a mentor to many. “We have lost an Iroko, father of fathers, mentor of mentors,” Dickson said. “His death has left a huge vacuum, but Bayelsa must remain a safe haven for the Ijaw nation.”
Edwin Clark’s contributions to Nigeria and his relentless pursuit of justice and equity will remain a significant part of the country’s history. His loss is deeply felt across the nation, particularly in his home state of Bayelsa, where he was a revered figure.
