President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Dame Patience, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore, Senator Seriake Dickson,were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, on Tuesday.
The dignitaries gathered at the funeral service of Chief Clark, a renowned elder statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, described Clark as a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and social justice.
“Pa Clark was a beacon of courage who spoke for the Niger Delta and the nation, ” he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan eulogized Clark as a great nationalist who lived in full validation of human dignity.
“He was a staunch advocate for freedom and national pride.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Clark’s legacy, saying, “he stood tall when others bowed for convenience.
”He belonged to a generation that believed in the eternal cause of freedom.”
Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, described Clark’s life as fulfilled, saying, “he was a teacher, educator, politician, and astute public servant, an example of a life dedicated to service.”
The Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, delivered a poignant homily, referencing Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is better than riches.”
He lauded Clark’s virtues, calling him a champion of integrity and a man of impeccable character.
The archbishop urged Nigerians to prioritise their relationship with God and live lives that are pleasing to Him.
He also raised concern over the destructive influence of false prophecies in Nigeria, urging repentance and a return to the values of integrity and righteousness that the nation’s founding fathers upheld
