Former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the death of Pa Edwin Clark as a monumental loss to the Ijaw Nation, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senetorial District in the National Assembly, stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the foremost Ijaw leader in Abuja.
Clark, who hails from Kiagbodo community in Delta State, was a Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Information under General Yakubu Gowon’s military government in 1975 and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
He died on Monday at the age of 97.
Dickson said Clark’s death has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill and commiserated with the bereaved family, the Ijaw Nation, Delta State government and Niger Deltans and Nigerians in general over the sad incidence.
“I came to visit the family of Pa Clark to commiserate with them and also to meet with them and others to plan our response on the sudden passing of Papa.
“He lived a great life and has gone to rest in the bossom of his creator after a full life lived in the service of our people, country and humanity.
“At his passing, we have lost an iconic father of fathers and leader of leaders who taught us many lessons.
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“Despite the fact that he lived to a unique and uncommon age of 97 years with his faculty intact to the very end, he will surely still be missed for what he represented to our people and to all Nigerians.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen, and this has left a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill. As we mourn his passing, let us also get ready to celebrate the great life he lived as well as learn from his life, the lessons of service with dignity, courage and selflessness”, he said.
Senator Dickson extended his gratitude to the children, family members and all those who played a role in taking care and supporting the late elder statesman while he lived, and expressed his commitment to participate in the burial of the departed Ijaw leader.