The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has said the legacies of elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, remain indelible, one year after his death.
The group stated this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, after marking the first anniversary of Clark’s passing held in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Clark died on February 17, 2025.
Top Niger Delta leaders, led by PANDEF National President and former Nigerian Ambassador, Godknows Igali, stormed the riverine community for the remembrance ceremony.
The delegation had paid a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Ogiogio II, Pere of Igbilebri Mein Kingdom, before proceeding to a thanksgiving service at Edwin Clark University.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, was represented at the event by Dr Chris Oghenechovwe.
Speaking at the interdenominational service, several speakers described the late nationalist as fearless and blunt in speaking truth to power, noting that he never supported the oppression or marginalisation of any group.
They said Clark believed strongly in the unity of Nigeria but insisted that no Nigerian should be treated as a second-class citizen.
PANDEF leaders also recalled his intervention during a period of unrest in the Niger Delta when Nigeria’s oil production reportedly dropped to about 700,000 barrels per day.
According to them, Clark convened meetings involving traditional rulers and regional leaders to dialogue with aggrieved youths, a move that helped stabilise the region and boosted oil production to about two million barrels per day.
The speakers, however, lamented that some of the issues Clark agitated for remained unresolved at the time of his death, including the relocation of oil companies’ headquarters to host communities, the poor state of the East-West and Calabar-Itu roads, the condition of seaports in the region, and the operational challenges of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
The event climaxed with the laying of wreaths at his graveside.
PANDEF’s statement said although Clark’s death created a vacuum in the Niger Delta, he had mentored several leaders who would continue the struggle for justice, equity and development in the region.
