Chief Ebikeme Clark, the eldest son of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has shared details of his father’s final moments following his passing at the age of 97.
Speaking to Daily Sun from Abuja, Ebikeme revealed that the former Federal Commissioner for Information in the Second Republic developed breathing complications around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday. He was rushed to a private hospital in Abuja, where he remained on admission until the early hours of Sunday when he passed away.
Reflecting on his father’s life, Ebikeme highlighted Chief Clark’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in advancing the interests of the Niger Delta region.
Widely known as “The Grand Commander of the Niger Delta Struggle,” Chief Edwin Clark was a relentless advocate for justice, resource control, and equity in Nigeria’s oil industry. His legacy will continue to shape the region and the nation for generations.
Key Contributions to the Niger Delta Struggle
- Champion of Resource Control: Chief Clark was a leading voice in the fight for increased revenue allocation to oil-producing states, insisting that host communities deserved a fair share of the wealth generated from their resources.
- Architect of the Presidential Amnesty Programme: His efforts were instrumental in securing the 2009 amnesty for Niger Delta militants, a pivotal move that helped restore peace and stability to the region.
- Leader of PANDEF: As the head of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), he facilitated critical engagements between the federal government and regional stakeholders, ensuring the concerns of the Niger Delta were addressed at the highest levels.
- Defender of the Environment and Human Rights: Chief Clark was a vocal critic of oil pollution, environmental degradation, and the neglect of oil-producing communities, demanding accountability from both oil companies and the government.
Chief Edwin Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, but his courage, resilience, and dedication to the Niger Delta will remain a lasting influence. Though his voice is now silent, his impact on Nigeria’s political and social landscape will never fade.
