Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured that Rivers State would immortalise demised Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark if the other States and Federal Government fails to do same.
Gov. Fubara, leading the elders, leaders and stakeholders from Rivers State on a condolence visit to the Clark’s Abuja home Tuesday, February 25, 2025, said he had to dress in white attire instead of black mourning attire because the Ijaw Leader, Chief Clark led a life well spent and dedicated to serving the common good of man for 97 years.
The governor in the company of former Rivers governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, Rt. Hon Austin Okpara, Sen Lee Maeba, Dr. Abiye Sekibo and Prince Uche Secondus were welcomed by Clark’s family and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by Amb Godknows Igali.
In his solemn speech he said, “Some persons will live very briefly with impact. Pa Clark lived very long for 97 years which is not a joke and he led it with full energy, still contributing positively before his departure.
“So, I join the family since it pleases God at this time for him to leave us, but while he is not here we cherish the wonderful works he did while alive.”
He said the history of Nigeria will not be complete without mentioning the role Pa Clark and his contemporaries played in the country and expressed joy to be associated with such a great character.
“These are the particular characters we encourage people to be associated with. Character of integrity, uprightness, not greed, but one that is selfless.”
On what Pa Clark meant to him, Gov. Fubara said he was “a father to me, such that in my most trying time, he stood by me, he spoke truth to power and wasn’t scared. I appreciate that role he played.”
The governor said he decided not to come under the Ijaw platform but a reflection of Rivers State with the delegation that cuts across the State to include Rt. Hon Austin Okpara, Sen Lee Maeba, and a former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George. Others on the delegation include Sir Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo and a host of others.
Gov. Fubara stated that the delegation is to tell the family that Rivers State feels the pain of the death of Pa Clark, but noted that “it is no longer a pain to us, but a life well spent” and assured that his government will follow the decision of the family to ensure that the patriarch is given a befitting burial.
“His contribution of fighting for human rights and defending the oppressed is worth immortalising and let me make this promise here. If it is not done from this other side, we will immortalise him in Rivers State.”
To the family, he cautioned, “Our father led a very wonderful life. Not like he doesn’t have his own shortcomings but you people should try as much as possible to live in love, that is the only way the legacy and the good work he has done can be sustained.”
He emphasised that at this moment some may want to claim right, but pleaded that they don’t allow division to creep into their midst admonishing that they, “be more united now than ever,” as that is “the only way we the children outside can come in and support you to make sure that his legacy remains.”
