PANDEF Celebrates Legacies Of Late Chief Edwin Clark

LAGOS – The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has celebrated the legacies of its late leader, Chief Edwin Clark, one year after his demise, with a thanksgiving service in his home town of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

A statement on Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, noted that top Niger Deltans led by Amb Godknows Igali stormed Kiagbodo to mark the first year remembrance of the death of the region’s icon, on 17th February 2025.

“PANDEF first point of call was the Palace of HRM Ogiogio II, the Pere of Igbilebri mein Kingdom at Kiagbodo.

“The one year memorial thanksgiving service, which took place at the Edwin Clark university, Kiagbodo, was attended by dignitaries, which included the Hon Minister of Regional Development, Hon Abubakar Momoh, who was represented by Dr. Chris Oghenechovwe. The second segment of the event included the laying of wreaths at the grave sides.

“Speakers at the events described the late leader as a brutal truth keeper who believed that one shouldn’t be made a second-class citizen irrespective of his or her status. The interdenominational church thanksgiving service was well attended by PANDEF National exco members, chapter chairmen including that of FCT, Abuja and Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Prof Hope Eghagha.

“Chief Clark was indeed an Icon worth emulating. He believed in Nigeria unity. He fought for the rights of the common man. At a time, the oil dwindled to about 700 barrels per day, Chief Clark assembled all leaders of the region including traditional leaders to interface with the aggrieved youths, which successfully led to the upward production of about 2 million barrels per day.  Chief Clark contributed to the uninterrupted free flow of the oil and gas, but it was his pain until his death that some of his agitations were not met.

“Till date, the oil exploration companies haven’t moved their headquarters to the areas where they operate. Chief Clark also regretted the state of the poor nature of the east west road, Calabar Itu road, and the moribund nature of the sea ports in Niger Delta as well as the comatose nature of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

“The vacuum created by the death of Chief Clark shall take a long time to fill but luckily, he has mentored a lot of people who shall in no distant time continue to occupy such vacuum. May the Spirit of Daddy Clark rest in peace.”