In Memory of PANDEF Icon Edwin Clark: A Storied Life at 97

Edwin Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, passed away.

A family spokesman, Prof. C. C. Clark, acknowledged the death of the former South-South leader and Federal Commissioner for Information, who was 97 years old, in a statement on Tuesday.

"The family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State's Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo would like to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, February 17, 2025," the statement said.

"The family is grateful for your prayers during this difficult time. The family will make other announcements later.

Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo passed just a few days ago at the age of 96, and Clark's death follows his loss.

Adebanjo and Clark are both renowned for their contributions to the nation's political growth.

Adebanjo and Clark were present in the Greater Nigeria Conference in Abuja in 2022, which discussed the selection of the future president of Nigeria from the Southeast.

Nzuko Umunna, a worldwide Igbo think tank, organized the GNC, a pan-Nigeria debate, to rally support for a regional presidential candidate in the general elections in 2023.

Clark, a lawyer, administrator, patriot, and freedom fighter, was a prominent player in Nigerian politics and a tenacious supporter of the Niger Delta's rights.

From 1968 to 1971, he was the Mid-Western Region's Commissioner for Education. From 1972 to 1975, he was the former Bendel State's Commissioner for Finance and Establishment.

He was named Commissioner for Information at the federal level in 1975, and from 1979 to 1983, he served as a Senator.

Clark was a prominent advocate for national and regional unity outside of his political career. In the Niger Delta, he was renowned for mediating peace between politicians and warring people.

In an effort to patch things up between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike, he recently established a committee.

Former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah served as the committee's leader, and Pandef BOT served as its co-chairman.

This was contained in a communique at the end of the group’s special General Assembly in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 24, 2024.