EVERY May 25th is significant for Edwin Kiagbodo Clark because 89 years ago in 1927, Chief Fuludu Clark his father, scion of Ambakaderemo, gave birth to Kiagbodo, who was given “Edwin”   by his teacher as was customary with missionary schools who found Christian names fanciful. Clark’s family branch extends to Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko and Ijaw; Edwin effectively harnessed these for leadership of the Niger–Delta.

He has biological children from the north; south-east and south-south of Nigeria thus deepening cultural and religious diversity of Nigeria in his household. Fearless and courageous in his socio-political crusades, once stated: “When a man is 70 years and above, he fears no foe because he is at the departure lounge, ready for his boarding pass, he speaks his mind because he has nothing to fear or gain apart from using truth for social development”.

An enigma, institution and social crusader whose convictions reforms society, I witnessed Clark’s emotions, courage and abhorrence for corruption and injustice. When in 2011 election violence some youth corp members serving in the north were killed, he wept wondering what nation slaughters youths that are its future. When President Yar’Adua died, he cried profusely and for days refused food that his doctor had to be called. Thirdly when the Chibok school girls were kidnapped; he lamented: “these are children who are suppose to mourn me and their parents when it pleases God to call me and their parents.”

Clark is a story of struggles, challenges and service; a destiny in travails, hope in hopelessness, courage in adversities. A story Nigerians need to discover through discipline, courage and potentials for service. Clark is an unrepentant believer in Nigeria, he had seen joy, war, turbulence, injustice and resuscitation of national ideals without wavering, and his birthday awakens us to societal stench that hunts the nation: lack of fiscal federalism, injustice, corruption, Niger-Delta crisis and insecurity.

Edwin’s transformation from Kiagbodo town to a towering national figure whose voice cannot be ignored is a lesson for youths, to embrace education, discipline and hard-work in becoming productive citizens. Clark saw tomorrow when his peers were comfortable in their local environments; he was a teacher, community development officer, Lawyer, politician and ended as elder statesman.

His marks in defunct Bendel with Col. Ogbemudia are indelible; was a federal commissioner of information, senator, among others. At the 2005 national conference and 2014 constitutional conference, he was an unrepentant voice for fiscal Federalism and a balanced Federation.

No Nigerian of Niger–Delta extraction had fought injustice and corruption as Clark had, a moral voice of courage that reprimands excesses. His prophetic voice once warned government to listen to elders because “we may enter into an era when youths may no longer listen to elders because our admonishments had fallen on deaf ears and the youths may get into the driving seat with violent agitations”. This reality is hunting us today.

Clark’s “charity begins at home” because he loved his people, in 2007 his voice was against lack of internal democracy within PDP and prior to 2015 party primaries, he rallied governorship aspirants against same vices, the result is free and fair primaries that produced Okowa.

Okowa as  scion of Clark is a disciple of anti-corruption and good governance.   His humility using resources for prosperity of state, creating jobs, providing economic opportunities through SMART despite scarce resources is commendable. Okowa understands governance is not a jamboree or circus show anchored on propaganda but a serious process that demands commitment and discipline.

Clark had confronted fear severally, when Rivers State became theatre of war, after Odili’s tenure, the man died in many for fear of reprisals but Clark mobilised leaders and accused government officials of having loyalty to one feuding cult or the other.

In September 2007 he led a delegation to President Yar’Adua, stating reasons for the crisis. A shocked President Yar’Adua said:”you made grave allegations put them into writing and we will investigate them. If anyone is culpable, no matter how high, we will deal with him in accordance to the law”.

Outside the villa he briefed journalist “it will be recalled on 20th August 2007, we Ijaw leaders from Niger Delta   met in Lagos to discuss the situation in Rivers State, from 1999 Rivers State is infected by over 103 cult groups, who are leaders and financiers of these cult groups? They are politicians, in and out of government”. This voice of courage is what a nation in times of decadence need for rebirth.

Challenging us to harness patriotism in solving problems bedeviling us, he recently castigated renewed pipelines vandalism and demanded former militants leaders to rise against the economic and environmental effect of these criminals because “we suffer consequences of vandalism that pollute same water we drink” asking “what are they avenging?” in reference to the Niger-Delta Avengers group. Clark’s 89 years are essence of nationhood, Courage, hard work, tolerance and social crusade which foster peace and unity.

He serves Nigerians and wants to continue after earthy sojourn through the Edwin Clark University where Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and background learn lessons of leadership while understanding our differences. At 89 his intellect is bright, voice towering and character stable, he is one man human age has been gracious to. Clark’s life is a reflective mirror that shows our societal ills, we need no bitterness but courage to become better leaders and citizens.

Clark’s life is not about wealth but service, nourishing youths and political associates with ideas, his abhorrence against corrupt and undemocratic regimes are lessons in Democratic growth. At 89, Clark deserves appreciation as he has used his birthdays to awaken national discuss and pray for Nigeria, but he needs prayers too to continue in good health because his voice remains the ‘check and balances’ needed by the downtrodden for good governance.

Mr.Prince Abugo, is SA, Social Advocacy, to Gov. Okowa of Delta State.