Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Special Projects, Hon Kenneth Oboro Preyor has described the passage of Chief Edwin Clark as a rude shock even at 97 years.
Hon Preyor who represents Bomadi State Constituency in the House in his facebook page, mourn the demise of Pa Clark, saying that he was a strong advocate of Nigeria project.
In a seven paragraphed statement entitled “NIGER DELTA MOURNS”, Hon Preyor a former Deputy Majority Leader in the 7th Assembly, said Chief Clark was outspoken, fearless and committed to the liberation of his people, stressing that even in death his spirit marches on.
He said “The demise of the foremost Ijaw leader and leader of Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PADEF, Chief Dr Sen Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, announced in the early hours of today came as a rude shock.
“Even at old age, the voice of this colossus on national issues is revered and not taken lightly. Pa Clark was a strong advocate of the Nigerian project and the power house behind the struggle for the emancipation of the maligned and depraved people of the Niger Delta region.
“He believed in fighting from a position of strength and does not accept the notion that the Niger Delta is subservient and should submit to other regions. He was outspoken, fearless and committed to the liberation of his people.
“The iroko has fallen. A vacuum has been created. The predators will be relieved that their greatest antagonist has surrendered but they should not forget that God has a way of reciprocating issues.
“Niger Deltans should not be discouraged going forward. It is the beginning of a renewed hope for the struggle believing that we will not be abandoned by our creator.
“Clark was born in the creeks and attained prominence through deliberate efforts and sustained struggle to reach prominence. He dedicated his later life to the liberation of his people, a project in which partial success was achieved.
“We will miss him but will immortalize him by not abandoning what he believed in. Pa Clark may be dead but his spirit marches on”, Preyor said