By Vincent Ujumadu

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 97.

In his condolence message, Governor Soludo described Chief Clark as an extraordinary Nigerian patriot who served the nation with dedication as a former Federal Commissioner for Information and leader of PANDEF.

“His voice resonated not just for the Niger Delta, but for all of Nigeria. As a lawyer, educationist, and elder statesman, Chief Clark’s interventions on national issues were marked by wisdom, foresight, and a dogged commitment to national unity founded on the principles of justice and equity,” Soludo said.

He noted that Chief Clark was unwavering in his pursuit of justice, equity, and true federalism, emphasizing that his life exemplified the importance of building bridges across ethnic and regional lines for the collective good of the nation.

While acknowledging that Chief Clark’s passing marked the end of an era, Soludo asserted that his legacy of advocating for a united and just Nigeria would endure.

Governor Soludo also mourned the death of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96. He described Adebanjo as a relentless advocate for true federalism whose absence would be deeply felt.

He extended his condolences to the families of Chief Edwin Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the people of the Niger Delta and Yoruba land, as well as PANDEF and Afenifere, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls.