”Clark was An Outspoken Voice for the Ethnic Minorities Of Niger Delta” -Olu of Warri

The Olu of Warri, Ogiamẹ Atuwatse III CFR has described former leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON as a dedicated and outspoken voice who spoke not only for the interest of his Ijaw people but also for all ethnic minorities of the Niger Delta.

Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri who led a high powered delegation of Warri Chiefs on a condolence visit to the Abuja residence of the Elder statesman on Wednesday February 19, noted that the Itsekiri delegation was at the instance of His Majesty, Ogiamẹ Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri who was saddened by the passing of one of Niger Delta’s oldest elder statesmen.

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Chief Eyewuoma highlighted Chief Clark’s impressive contributions to nation building from when he was appointed as Commissioner of Education by General Samuel Ogbomudia in the defunct Bendel State to his appointment as Minister of Information and later Senator of the Federal Republic, noting that his impact in politics, community development and public service will outlive him.

Dr. Godknows Igali, OON, the National Chairman of PANDEF and Professor College Clark of the Clark-Fuludu-Bakederemo family of Kiagbodo who received the Olu of Warri’s delegation revealed that the late lawyer and leader of PANDEF always made references to his Itsekiri ancestry through his mother and noted that the Ijaws and Itsekiri people have a lot in common.

Former Military President of Nigeria General Yakubu Gowon who was present during the visit said he was highly impressed by the Itsekiri delegation noting that the unity of ethnic groups in the Niger Delta is sacrosanct for the development of the region.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, other members of the Olu of Warri Delegation; Chief Brown Mene and Chief Godday Erewa were also present during the visit.