Group Picture of Hon. Ebikeme Clark (10th) flanked by others at the burial ceremony of his late father, Pa Edwin Clark
By Samuel Ogude
It was rain of tributes on Late Dr Edwin Clark at Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area, on Tuesday as he finally goes home. Speaking at the occasion, the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu described Late Pa Edwin Clark as a patriot and champion of his community in particular and the country at large. President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator George Akume said, although, Pa Clark lived to the ripe age of 97, his death has created much vacuum which may be difficult to fill in the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta and the country as a whole.
On his part, Nigeria former President, Goodluck Jonathan who aligned himself with the President Bola Tinubu said, the Late Elder-state man was an extra ordinary human being as he was defender of justice, fairness and national cohesion. On his part, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio said, good memories of Pa. Edwin Clark would be be there as his life and times was a great challenge for all- Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large.
Group photos in attendance at Pa Edwin Clark’s burial ceremony
While Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State who spoke on behalf of other Governors said, Pa Clark was a good man saying, his legacy should be sustained. On his part, Prince Akpo Abugo, Co-ordinator, EK Clark Solidarity For Good Governance, said Late Pa Clark’s described Pa Edwin Clark as an exceptional human being that operated open door policy. According to him, he did not fight for his personal interest but of others hence many have tagged him:”busy body”. He said, by his attributes, he was not only an Ijaw but Urhobo, Isoko and Itsekiri as he fought for every body. According to him, he is very much in doubt if Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria would have such a leader who is forthright and down to earth again.
He however said, many people pouring tributes Pa Clark now that he is dead, never saw good in whatever he was doing while on earth, else, Nigeria would have been a better place for all to live today. His words:” May God save us from hypocrisy. But we, who are his disciples will continue to be on the side of justice..”On his part, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, EK Clark Solidarity For Good Governance, Chief Mikel Osige said, Late Dr. Edwin Clark fought against injustice until his death.
Management team from Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun,Delta State
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Uvwie Local Government, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba said, Pa Clark lived impactful life adding, what the entire people that gathered at the funeral are doing is a celebration of life. According to him, Late Elder Clark contributed immensely to the good of humanity- Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Prof Agbalagba who was represented by Prof. Kenneth Ibeh prayed Nigerians will have the kind heat which Late Pa Edwin Clark had while on earth. Then, of course, Principal/Chief Executive Officer of Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Engr. Dr Samuel E. Onoji said, if he had his way, Late Pa Clark would continue to live due to the monumental developments he brought to, not just Niger Delta but Nigeria at large.
Management team from Petroleum Training Institute Effurun,Delta State
The PTI boss who was represented by Head of Department Public Affairs Department of the institution, Alhaji Suleiman Zailani along other senior staff of the organization said, Late Senator Chark touched positively many lives in Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. According to him, the vision of Late Pa Edwin Clark’s that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians should be shared by all. On her part, a former member Federal House of representatives representing Okpe/Sapele/ Uvwie in Federal Constituency, Hon. Evelyn Oboro described Late Dr Edwin Clark as father for all – a man who loved his people and protected his territorial security, fought for freedom as he believed that God given natural resources should be enjoyed by one and all. Her words:” Pa Edwin Clark stood for truth regardless of who you are: son or daughter”.
Hon, Evelyn Oboro and others at the ceremony
To former Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Hon. Princess Josephine Oduaran said Pa Edwin Clark is a Daddy for everyone as he never segregated. Her words:” He treated everybody as his child and brought many people up in a good way. This is collaborated by the Chairman of PANDEF, Delta State, Prince Maikpobi Okaren. He said, Pa Clark has created an institution that would propagate his ideals and that institution is PANDEF. According to him, all what Pa Clark stood for is implemented to the later. His words:” We would ensure that what he stood for are properly implemented both in short and long run..”
They all charged all children of Late Pa Clark left behind in particular and Nigeria at large to emulate the sterling qualities of the Late Elder state man by doing good at all times and standing for the truth no matter the circumstances.
Among those who came to bid the elder state man farewell included; the wife of Nigeria former President, Mrs Patience Goodluck Jonathan, Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Bassey Eno, Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, former Governor of old Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George; former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, traditional rulers, captains of industries, academics, among others.