High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, aka Tompolo has reacted to the death of South Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. The Internet was taken aback on Tuesday when the news of his death filtered in.
In a condolence message, Tompolo, a former Niger Delta warlord, said his death came to him as a rude check, saying despite the late Clark was old, he never expected his death at this time.
In the message he said the South South and the nation have lost a rare gem, an illustrous father, a unique personality in the late Edwin Clark.
He said his passing has left a vacuum in the leadership of the nation. This is going by his advice and words which in many ways guide certain policy decisions in Nigeria.
REPRODUCED BELOW IS THE FULL PRESS STATEMENT
LATE PA (SENATOR) EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK:
Condolence Message to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo Family of Kiagbodo Town; South-South; Southern Nigeria/Middle Belt; and Nigeria
I, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, also called Tompolo, would like to express my sympathies to the family of High Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on behalf of my friends, family, and colleagues on his passing yesterday.
I also extend my condolences to the people of the South-South Geopolitical Zone and Nigeria in general for the death of our illustrious father.
The news came to me with a rude shock, as I was not expecting this kind of news this morning. Even though he was old, he was full of life and kicking. Hence, I was surprised to hear of his death this morning.
Nigeria lost its unique and potent voice in the South-South geopolitical zone, which was a unique gift from God.
There is no denying that this death has put a vacuum in the country’s leadership structure. He was a democratic and socio-economic crusader.
Senator Clark was a strong, fearless, and irrepressible individual who spoke truth to power. He was a voice for the voiceless and a father for the fatherless. We will miss him.
I pray that God Almighty gives the family and the country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Signed:
High Chief Dr Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Tompolo
The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited
