The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has described late Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, as a towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta.
The President General of AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, in a statement on Tuesday, extended the group’s condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta, over Clark’s demise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died on Monday in Abuja, aged 97.
Shettima, therefore, stated that the AYCF recognised that throughout his illustrious career, Clark served the country with distinction.
He added that “from his time as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region to his tenure as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in Bendel State, he demonstrated a commitment to public service and a passion for the development of his region.
“At the federal level, Chief Clark continued to make significant contributions to the political landscape of Nigeria.
“As Commissioner for Information and later as a Senator, he championed the cause of regional and national unity, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and constituents.”
The arewa youth leader said that beyond Clark’s political career, he was a leading voice for regional and national unity.
He said that Clark’s leadership of organisations such as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the South-South Peoples Assembly and the Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) showcased his dedication to the betterment of Nigeria as a whole.
He added that “Chief Clark’s advocacy for resource control, fiscal federalism and the development of the Niger Delta region will be remembered as a legacy of his tireless efforts to improve the lives of his people and all Nigerians.
“The AYCF joins the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, the people of Kiagbodo Town, and all Nigerians in mourning the loss of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.”(NAN)
