The Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a. Akpodoro, has joined well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the death of Pa E.K. Clark, whose passing was announced on Tuesday.
Mayor Akpodoro expressed that the late former Minister of Information’s death has created a void in the South-South geopolitical zone that may remain unfilled for decades.
In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Mayor Akpodoro emphasized the importance of immortalizing the late Chief Clark, whom he described as the “conscience of the Niger Delta.”
He noted that with Clark’s passing, the Niger Delta region has lost a lone voice in the wilderness, further deepening the sense of loss felt by the region.
According to the Urhobo-born Mayor, Chief Clark will be remembered for his relentless advocacy for a developed Niger Delta region and its citizens.
He played a crucial role in giving a voice to the once criminally marginalized area and was unwavering in his struggle for the region’s emancipation, an achievement he secured before his passing.
“Pa Clark left an indelible mark on the sands of time. He will be remembered for his anti-corruption crusade in Delta State.
“The late elder statesman will also be remembered for his instrumental roles in uniting and uplifting the people of the South-South region through his chairmanship of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), an organization he used to stabilize the region and steer it on the path to socio-economic recovery, following years of plunder under successive military regimes in the late 20th century,” the Mayor stated.
Mayor Akpodoro specifically credited Chief Clark with the infrastructural and human development in the region, particularly through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was his brainchild during the tenure of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Were it not for Pa Clark, the NDDC wouldn’t have been created. He was a strong advocate for equity and social justice. Our region has lost a father without boundary, a mentor to all, an advocate of truth and honesty, and the protector of our region.”
The Mayor further recalled Chief Clark’s deep connection to the Urhobo nation, noting that the late elder statesman held a special place in his heart for the Urhobo people, owing to his mother’s origins in Urhoboland.
“He was an Urhobo man in all his endeavors,” the Mayor said. “The people of Urhobo nation have lost a worthy son, brother, and friend in the death of Chief Clark.”
On behalf of the entire Urhobo nation worldwide, Mayor Akpodoro extended heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, friends, and associates of the late sage, describing him as one who led a fulfilled life.
“We shall mourn his death and celebrate his life. His memories shall remain evergreen as he continues to live on in our hearts. Adieu, the great one,” a somber Mayor Akpodoro noted.
