Comrade Aprilis Ureju Peters (AKA Woman Tompolo of Egbema Kingdom Honors the exceptional legacy of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark,
A Special Tribute to an Icon: Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, CFR
An Elder Statesman!
Our Grandfather!
A Great Father of Our Dear Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at Large!
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and leader, Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. He was a mighty man of valor, a fearless advocate, and a symbol of strength and resilience. Known lovingly as “Daddy G.O.”, Pa Clark embodied wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. He was a grandfather stronger than twenty thousand youths of this present generation—a lion among men, a fearless warrior for justice.
As a former Senator in Nigeria’s First Republic during his youthful days, Chief Clark demonstrated extraordinary leadership and served as a great activist for the rights of the oppressed. He earned the title of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria not for legal practice but for his relentless pursuit of equity and justice for the Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole.
Today, the Ijaw Nation mourns your death. While we are grateful that you lived to the remarkable age of 97 years, we still hoped for more time with you. God used you mightily to settle disputes and provide direction for the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region at large. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Who will step into the enormous shoes you have left behind? Who will help us as you so tirelessly did for decades?
You spoke for the oppressed with unparalleled courage, fought tirelessly for justice, and consistently held those in power accountable for their governance. In a region where fear often silenced many, you stood tall, speaking truth to power without fear or favor. Whether it was opposing the injustices of past governments or calling out the failures of the present, you never wavered in your commitment to justice and fairness.
Your voice was a shield for the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta, and all marginalized Nigerians. You championed the rights of communities whose resources had been exploited yet left underdeveloped. You opposed bad governance, the lopsided development of Nigeria, and skewed appointments that sidelined entire regions. You were fearless and selfless, a true patriot who always put the people first.
You were more than a political leader; you were a father to all tribes in Nigeria, a loving and caring figure who embraced everyone with open arms. Your leadership transcended ethnic and regional divides, embodying the unity and harmony we all yearn for in our nation.
The Ijaw Nation has lost a guiding light, but your legacy remains indelible. Your efforts as a peacemaker and an advocate for development will never be forgotten. You were instrumental in creating platforms for growth and development, from your advocacy for environmental justice to your fight for resource control. You laid the groundwork for generations to come, ensuring that the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta were not left behind in the story of Nigeria’s progress.
As we bid you farewell, we pray that the Almighty God receives your soul in His bosom and grants you eternal peace. May your legacy continue to inspire us to fight for justice, equity, and unity in our communities.
We will always love and miss you, our very own Daddy G.O., the Grand Commander of Justice and Equity, the Lion of the Niger Delta, and the Father of the Ijaw Nation Worldwide.
Rest in perfect peace, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
From:
Comrade Aprilis Ureju Peters (AKA Woman Tompolo of Egbema Kingdom, Ijaw Nation).
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