By Solomon OKPO.
ABUJA, The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the Senate will be fully involved in the burial arrangements for elder statesman and former senator, Pa Edwin Clark, who passed away on Monday.
Akpabio gave this assurance on Wednesday when a delegation from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, visited him at the National Assembly to formally inform him of Clark’s passing.
The Senate President revealed that the upper legislative chamber had earlier observed a minute of silence in honor of Clark, acknowledging his significant contributions to Nigeria.
“We couldn’t even wait for you to inform us of his passing before taking action,” Akpabio stated. “We have already agreed to send a strong delegation to condole with his family, the people of the Ijaw nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigerians at large. The Senate will participate in all burial activities.”
Describing Clark as a Pan-Africanist and an iconic leader, Akpabio praised his lifelong advocacy for the rights of minorities across Nigeria. “He wanted a country where every minority felt a sense of belonging,” he said.
Reflecting on Clark’s final moments, Akpabio found deep significance in his last words. “Even at the point of passing, his exclamations—’I love Nigeria,’ ‘I am a Nigerian’—summarized his entire life’s mission. That statement alone is worth a PhD thesis,” he remarked, urging Nigerians to hold on to the values of patriotism and national unity.
Speaking on behalf of PANDEF, Ambassador Igali emphasized that Clark’s death was a great loss not only to the Niger Delta but to the entire nation. “As a former senator and elder statesman, it was important for us to formally inform you,” he said.
Igali recounted Clark’s final days, stating that his health only began to decline recently. “Up to two months ago, Papa was hale and hearty, but there was a gradual wind-down. Last Sunday, while sitting with his nurse, he said, ‘I love Nigeria’ and repeated, ‘I am a Nigerian.’ Shortly after, he stopped talking, and the doctors confirmed his passing hours later.”
Pa Edwin Clark, a revered leader and advocate for national unity, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Nigeria.
