By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, visited the Clark family on Friday to express his condolences following the passing of their patriarch, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

He described the late Chief Clark as a true patriot characterized by unwavering integrity.

During his visit to the family’s home in Kiagbodo, the Governor honored the memory of the esteemed elder statesman, highlighting his significant contributions to the nation and the fulfillment of a life well-lived.

Governor Oborevwori noted that Chief E.K. Clark, as he was widely known, was deeply dedicated to the advancement of the Niger Delta region and played a vital role in the country’s development. “He has left an indelible mark on our history,” the Governor stated.

Accompanied by Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and other distinguished officials, the Governor emphasized the late statesman’s remarkable qualities of boldness, courage, focus, and articulation.

“As I look around at the faces gathered here, it is clear that we are celebrating a great father who has recently departed,” he remarked.

“It is with deep sorrow that I convey my heartfelt condolences to Pa E.K. Clark’s family, the people of Kiagbodo, the Ijaw nation, and all of the Niger Delta region,” he continued. “He truly was a well-respected figure in this country, having lived a life rich in accomplishment and integrity.”

Governor Oborevwori recognized Clark’s unique voice within the Niger Delta community, noting, “His vocal presence is unmatched. If you read his book, ‘Brutally Frank,’ you will understand the depth of his memory and insight. He was a man who could trace the lineage of many families in this region.”

Reflecting on their last conversation, the Governor shared, “Papa encouraged me in my role as Governor and assured me that he would offer honest feedback if needed. His straightforwardness was one of his defining traits, as was his unwavering focus and clarity of thought.”

The Governor assured the Clark family and the Ijaw community of the state government’s continued support during this mourning period. He also extended his sympathies to the residents of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, and the entire Ijaw community.

In response, Mrs. Rebecca Okorodudu, the eldest daughter of the late Chief Clark, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his visit and compassion. Joined by her uncle, Prof. Collins Clark, and various family members, she affirmed their commitment to supporting the initiatives and policies of his administration.

…As Executives, Members Promise to End APC Reign in the Federal Constituency

By Sunday Apah

In an effort to secure a decisive victory for the Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming 2027 elections, the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency Forum has established various committees to organize its inauguration.

During a meeting held in Asaba, Olorogun John Unukebo Oguma, the Chairman of the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency Forum, emphasized that the meeting was convened to strategize for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s bid for a second term in 2027.

He highlighted that the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency is the largest in Delta Central senatorial district and have the highest number of kingdoms in Urhobo.

Despite the substantial voter base, Oguma acknowledged that the party had not performed well in the 2023 elections.

However, he expressed optimism that the outcome would be different in 2027 due to the increased unity and focus among party members.

He urged those in attendance to remain united and inclusive, stressing that the forum is intended for all party members within the federal constituency.

Oguma reassured the three Local Government Area PDP Chairmen present that the forum’s intention was not to supplant their roles, but rather to assist them in achieving victory for the PDP in 2027.

Olorogun Eddie Ono-Sorhue, Deputy Chairman of the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency Forum; Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor; Chief Terry Noah, former Commissioner for Lands and Survey; and Chief Fred Majemite, also a former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, collectively affirmed that the group was formed to bolster the party’s ambitions in 2027.

They acknowledged that, until now, they had not successfully united under one forum with the goal of securing all contestable positions.

“With the backing of the PDP Chairmen in the federal constituency and regular meetings of the forum, we are confident that we will achieve remarkable success,” the leaders stated.

The inauguration organizing committee is led by the three Local Government Area Chairmen: Hon. Jaro Egbo (Ughelli North), Hon. Lucky Avweromre (Ughelli South), and Hon. Vincent Oyibode (Udu).

They were supported by prominent politicians, divided into sub-committees for effective planning and execution.

Those who attended the meeting included Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Secretary of the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency Forum; Olorogun Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary; Hon. Solomon Ahwinahwi; Hon. Samuel Mariere; Kelly Oghenekevwe; Comrade Lucky Ofomukoro; Mr. Ojays Ojigho; Rt. David Siloko; Hon. Peter Uviejitobor; Hon. Onoriode Agofure; Hon. George Oyefia; Chief Henry Sakpra; Chief Moses Odibo; Chief Andrew Orugbo; Hon. Jite Brown; Engr. Chief Christabel Obiuwevbi; Hon. Paul Etaga; Mr. Simon Umudi; Mr. Sunday Kotor; Chief Matthew Kwode; Rt. Hon. Sunday Apah; Prince Bourne Ohwovoriole; Chief Francis Aguonigho; Chief John Ewenede; Chief Emmanuel Ejenake; Chief Ovis Uto; Prince Evuetapha; Olorogun Grace Aghoghovbia; and Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo.

Others included Rt. Hon. Karo Goru; Mr. Sylvester Ovbije; Hon. Matthew Oguma; Sir Sunday Mrakpor; Mr. Sylvester Uzoh; Abraham Erhuen, Esq.; Chief A. Kpuwhara; Engr. Agberia Ogheneochuko; Chief Michael Oshetigho; Raymond Edijala; Chief Obruche Oghenejiru; Hon. Eki Afuevure; Chief Richard Kofi; Chief Godwin Adode; Chief Johnbull Asun; Chief Sam Ughujowhovwo; Chief Mrs. Vivian Ogheneovo; Hon. Peter Ogbavweni; Hon. David Henry; Chief Ochuko Imirhe; Engr. Nelson Odien; Comrade William Emuophe; Chief Otto Ogbiruveta; Comrade Vincent Omoko; Chief Tony Ikomoni; Chadu Ojevwe Charles; Robinson Ighorodje; Chief G. Ushere; Jimmy Idiobwa; Michael Akpobasa; and Dr. Peter O.

By Sunday Apah

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has sent his condolences to the Ijaw nation on the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing his death as the “End of a Great Era.”

Oborevwori described Pa Clark, who was reported to have died on Monday night at the age of 97, as a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervor.

In a condolence message to the family and the Ijaw nation, Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Pa Clark’s life and times as truly well spent in the service of the nation.

He eulogized the late elder statesman for his unwavering and unprecedented dedication to the growth and unity of the nation, especially in the South-South region.

Oborevwori said, “Today, I mourn the passing of an elder statesman, Nigerian patriot, and role model, Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, OON, an icon whose influence traversed Nigeria’s political scene for six decades.

“Teacher, educator, public servant, and politician, Chief Clark was a model of integrity, consistency, fidelity to a cause, and patriotic fervor.

“To the people of the Niger Delta region, he was their champion. Bold, outspoken, and fearless, he stood resolute in crusading for fairness, equity, and justice for the region.

“His exit is also a personal loss; he was a motivator, mentor, and father to me. I will miss his wisdom, counsel, and zest for life.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Kiagbodo, and the Ijaw nation over this monumental loss. We can all take solace in the saying that Chief Clark came, he saw, and he conquered.

“Pa Clark, an astute lawyer, administrator, patriot, and freedom fighter, was a prominent player in Nigerian politics and a tenacious supporter of the rights of Niger Deltans.”

His passing, which comes just a few days after the death of Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, truly marks the end of a great era.

By Sunday Apah

High Chief Promise Lawuru, the leader of the Southern Youth Movement (SYM), has expressed deep condolences over the passing of Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing his death as the loss of a significant institution.

In a statement personally signed by him and shared with journalists, Chief Lawuru noted that Pa. Clark’s departure is an irreplaceable loss not only for the Ijaw nation but for Nigeria as a whole.

He characterized Pa. Clark as a formidable and courageous figure, always at the forefront of the struggle for the rights and emancipation of the Niger Delta people and the nation at large.

“Pa. Clark’s death is an immeasurable loss to our great nation, particularly to the Ijaw people,” he stated.

“Pa. Clark was more than just a person; he embodied an institution dedicated to nation-building. While death is an inevitable part of life, we can find comfort in our faith and pray for God’s infinite mercy as he transitions to the eternal beyond. Farewell to the Iroko tree.”

By Sunday Apah

Edwin Clark, the esteemed leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has passed away at the age of 97. His demise was confirmed in a statement released by a family representative, Prof. C. C. Clark, on Tuesday.

The announcement read: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, regrets to inform the public about the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.”

The family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support they have received during this difficult time and mentioned that further details would be shared later.