Godsent Ogbebor
Senate Calls for National Monument to Immortalize Edwin Clark
The Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalize the late South-South leader, Pa Edwin Clark, by naming a national monument after him in recognition of his contributions to national unity and the Niger Delta struggle.
The resolution, passed during plenary, followed a motion sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South) and co-sponsored by 16 other South-South Senators.
The Senate also observed a minute of silence in Clark’s honor and resolved to send a delegation to his burial.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Regional Development Engr. Abubakar Momoh, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, and other dignitaries, including former Niger Delta Development Commission MD, Timi Alaibe, and traditional leaders like Tunde Smooth, have expressed grief over Clark’s passing.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Bishop Matthew Kukah, former Governors James Ibori and Ifeanyi Ararume, and a host of other notable figures visited Clark’s residence in Asokoro to pay their last respects.
Read also: Elder Statesman Edwin Clark Dies at 97
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) declared three days of mourning, with its President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, describing Clark’s death as a “huge loss” to the Ijaw nation and Nigeria.
Similarly, the Asagba of Asaba lamented the loss, praising Clark’s advocacy for Niger Delta rights.
VP Shettima, in his condolence message, likened Clark’s passing to the fall of a “great Iroko tree,” stating that his absence leaves a profound void in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic landscape.
Senator Thomas described him as “more than a political leader, he was a mentor, teacher, and fearless fighter for justice.”
Meanwhile, former PDP Chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo, ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and IPOB counsel Ifeanyi Ejiofor also mourned Clark’s passing, calling it a significant loss to the nation.
Their tributes extended to Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo, who also recently passed, describing both men as voices of truth and justice.
The Senate’s call for a national monument in Clark’s honor underscores his legacy as a fearless advocate for the Niger Delta and national unity.
