PDP Mourns Clark, Says He Was True Peoples’ Defender

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it deeply mourns the death of nationalist, elder Statesman, former Federal Commissioner of Information, foremost crusader of social justice in Nigeria and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark describing it as a national loss.

The party described Clark as a very bold lawyer, forthright politician, educationist and dependable leader who stood for the right and wellbeing of the people and fought as an unrelenting advocate for justice, equity and fairness in the country.

The national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba, said the late elders statesman was an outstanding voice in the demand for true federalism, resource control, openness in governance and prudent management of the country’s resources which are key elements for the much-desired mutual respect, trust, unity, stability, peaceful co-existence and rapid development in a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria.

In a statement, Ologunagba said, “Through the years as an independence agitator, Councillor, student activist, member of the nationalist National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), Midwestern Commissioner of Education and later, Finance, national executive member of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Federal Commissioner of Information and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Clark remained at the forefront of various national reforms, where he demonstrated that the essence of leadership is in the pursuit of the good of others.

“Our Party acknowledges Chief Clark’s advisory roles to the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government which contributed immensely to the success of that administration in its delivery of unprecedented socio-economic, infrastructural development, employment, business opportunities resulting in better living standard for Nigerians.

“Indeed, Chief Clarks death is a huge national loss as he passed on at a time our nation and humanity needed his wise counsel and firm voice of direction the most.

“Though our Party mourn, we celebrate Chief Clark as a great Nigerian whose legacies would remain indelible and continue to inspire generations to come.”

The PDP commiserated with the Clark family, the Government and people of Delta State, the entire Niger Delta region and prays to God to grant Chief Clark eternal rest and to his family and loved ones, the fortitude to bear this great loss.