Kehinde Fajobi
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to honour the late Chief Edwin Clark by naming a national monument after him.
During plenary on Wednesday, February 19, the upper chamber also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with his family and attend his funeral.
Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, passed away on Monday at the age of 97.
In a motion titled The Demise of Senator (Chief) Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON (May 25, 1927 – February 17, 2025), Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South) highlighted Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and his advocacy for the Niger Delta.
“Pa Edwin Clark was a nationalist, a renowned lawyer, a seasoned administrator, a philanthropist, and an astute advocate for the Niger Delta region,” Thomas said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Clark’s commitment to justice and minority rights.
“His voice resonated above the age of 90. Whenever he spoke, you could hear the passion in his words about Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) lamented Clark’s passing.
“We lost him at a time when his wise counsel was most needed. He was one of the formidable founding fathers of modern Nigeria,” he said.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) described Clark as an iconic leader, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) commended his lifelong fight for the underprivileged.
“We acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria, especially his fight for the underprivileged and his steadfast courage,” Abaribe said.
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Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi Central) called him a bridge-builder.
“He preached unity across ethnic lines, fostering peace and togetherness,” Aliero said.
Clark’s political career began in 1953 when he was elected Councillor for Bomadi. He later became a key figure in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and played a role in the 1966 constitutional conference.