By Henry Umoru, Abuja

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, retd, whom the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, served under as Federal Commissioner for Information, was among the dignitaries that paid a condolence visit to the family of the Ijaw leader at his Asokoro residence, Abuja.

Also at the residence was former President Goodluck Jonathan; the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, honoured the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed away at the age of 97.

Various dignitaries spoke about Clark’s contributions to Nigeria and the profound impact he had on the Ijaw community and beyond.

Goodluck Jonathan said, “The shoe he wore, my feet are too tiny to fit in. His was a life of selfless service, unwavering courage, and an unyielding commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.”

Governor Douye Diri said, “For us from his own ethnic nationality, the Ijaw ethnic nationality, there are shoes that will be difficult for anybody to fill. Chief Clark was a treasure of inestimable value and a nationalist par excellence. We hope that he will actually have a state burial.”

Also speaking, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, said, “He meant a lot of things to different people. We will remember his passion and love for this country. All we can pray is that Nigeria develops a greater sense of urgency in realising the principles for which he lived and in which he died.”

On his part, Senator Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa West, said, “We have lost an Iroko, father of fathers, mentor of mentors—a huge vacuum. Bayelsa must be kept safe for the Ijaw nation.”

His Royal Highness Barrister Godspower Okoroma (King of Pobo Kingdom) said, We lost an icon; we lost a fighter. Yes, he died at 97, but still we are not happy.”

On his part, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by his deputy, said, “To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion—bold, outspoken, and fearless. He stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity, and justice for the region.”

Also at the house were former Governor James Ibori of Delta; Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, former Inspector General of Police (IGP); Solomon Arase, representative of the Sultan of Sokoto; Godsday Orubebe, former GMD of NNPC; Andrew Yakubu, among others.