The Senate has urged the Federal Government to immortalise a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, by naming a national monument after him.
The upper chamber made the call at the plenary that was held on Wednesday.
It also resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with his family and attend his burial and funeral rites in recognition of his service as a former senator.
The late Pan Niger Delta Forum leader died on Monday night at the age of 97.
The family announced his death in a statement on Tuesday, and some notable personalities paid homage to Clark as a political mediator in the South-South region and Nigeria at large.
Paying a tribute to Clark, the Senate observed a minute of silence in his honour and further reached a resolution for his immotalisation.
The resolutions followed a motion titled, “The Demise of Senator (Chief) Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON (May 25, 1927 – February 17, 2025),” sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone.
In his presentation, Thomas highlighted Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and his commitment to the rights of the Niger Delta people.
“Pa Edwin Clark was a nationalist, a renowned lawyer, a seasoned administrator, a philanthropist, and an astute advocate for the Niger Delta region,” Thomas said.
Other senators, including Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised Clark’s courage and lifelong advocacy for equity and justice.
Akpabio acknowledged Clark’s relentless advocacy for the rights of minorities and his efforts to unite different regions of the country.
“His voice resonated above the age of 90. Whenever he spoke, you could hear the passion in his words about Nigeria,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) lamented Clark’s death, saying, “We lost him at a time when his wise counsel was most needed. He was one of the formidable founding fathers of modern Nigeria.”
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) called Clark an iconic leader who served meticulously, while Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) commended Clark’s unwavering support for the marginalised:
“We acknowledge his contributions to Nigeria, especially his fight for the underprivileged and his steadfast courage,” he said.
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi Central) described Clark as a nationalist and bridge-builder who promoted unity and brotherhood.
“He preached unity across ethnic lines, fostering peace and togetherness,” he said.
The Senate’s call to immortalise Clark reflects a recognition of his indelible contributions to national unity, justice, and development.
Born in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark’s political journey began in 1953 when he was elected as a Councillor for Bomadi. He was actively involved with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and later became a key figure in the Midwestern Region’s fight for Nigerian unity during the 1966 constitutional conference.
