Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the passing of Chief Edwin Clark as a profound loss to Nigeria.
The Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) leader, died on Monday at the age of 97 years.
Shettima, in a condolence message on Wednesday in Abuja, likened Clark’s death to the giant Iroko tree falling in the forest.
He said the renowned nationalist and Ijaw leader had a significant influence on Nigeria’s national discourse, spanning more than six decades.
Shettima particularly acknowledged Clark’s contribution to the issues of resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta region.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, describing the late elder statesman as a distinguished patriot and a fearless advocate for justice and equity.
” When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered.
” Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” he said.
Shettima, who paid glowing tribute to the late Clark, recalled his advocacy for restructuring, which he said often put him at odds with various administrations but earned him respect across political divides.
“Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice.
” He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency.
“The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller.
“His interventions consistently redirected our national conversation towards justice and inclusivity.”
