…“It’s Hard to Imagine the Niger Delta Without Him”
By Ovasa Ogaga
Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has mourned the death of elder statesman Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
He called him an irreplaceable force in the Niger Delta and a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history.
During a condolence visit to the late Ijaw leader’s residence, Senator Nwoko reflected on Pa Clark’s enduring commitment to justice and the advancement of the South-South region.
“It’s almost impossible to picture the South-South without Pa Edwin Clark. He was unwavering, fiercely loyal, fiercely brave.
He stood for our shared values and never backed down,” Nwoko remarked, honoring the late nationalist’s steadfast principles.
Senator Nwoko commended Pa Clark’s sharp intellect and courage, recalling his fearless stance in confronting corruption and speaking truth to power.
“There are times when I speak, and I think of him—his strength, his defiance in the face of power.
He was a man who could have been tempted by influence, but instead, he chose to champion the fight against injustice and corruption,” he said.
He went on to highlight Pa Clark’s remarkable mental clarity and sharp memory, which remained intact even in his advanced years.
“He amazed me with his memory. He always spoke with precision, never confused facts, and even in his 90s, his mind was crystal clear. He was truly one of a kind.
“I’ve never known anyone as bold, fearless, or as devoted to this country,” Nwoko added.
Expressing a deep personal sense of loss, the senator admitted that Pa Clark’s death still felt unreal.
“I believed he’d live forever. His passing doesn’t feel real yet. Even in his final days, his mind was sharp, his spirit unbroken,” he said.
Senator Nwoko concluded his tribute with prayers for Pa Clark’s soul, affirming that his legacy will live on.
“May his noble soul rest in perfect peace. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered,” he said.
Pa Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent advocate for the Niger Delta, was a fearless voice for justice and equity.
His death marks the end of a defining chapter in the political and social history of the region and the nation.
