“We have lost a rare patriot and an invaluable asset,” Sokari laments Clark.

Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the eminent Nigerian statesman, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. He extolled Clark—who served as the Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) until his demise—as the “most resonant advocate for minority ethnic groups and an invaluable asset to contemporary Nigeria.”

The Rivers legislator articulated this sentiment in a statement personally signed and disseminated to journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, upon receiving the news of the Delta-born nonagenarian’s passing. He remarked that the announcement of Clark’s death was a profound shock, given his pivotal role, particularly to the Ijaw nation and the broader Niger Delta region.

“We have lost an extraordinary patriot, a dependable patriarch, a solution-oriented public affairs analyst, a tireless activist, and an influential politician who devoted his entire life to the service of his community, ethnicity, country, and, above all, humanity,” the lawmaker declared.

Sokari, representing the people of Ahoada West in the state assembly, lamented that “Pa Clark departed when his rare knowledge, experiences, intellectual activism, and wisdom were still essential to propel our Land forward rapidly.”

The Leader of the Rivers State 10th Assembly, in his statement, reminisced about Pa Clark’s unwavering support for Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, during attempts by pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers to impeach him. “Despite his advanced age,” Sokari noted, “the late Pa Clark was actively engaged in public affairs, articulating his well-founded views through press releases, open letters, and petitions, as well as mediating during crises to rectify national issues.

“As a true Ijaw patriot and champion of constitutional democracy, Pa Clark publicly demonstrated solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (GSSRS), when adversaries of our cherished state sought to unseat him from Brick House.”

Sokari, a former Chairman of the Abua-Odual/Engenni-Ogbogolo Special Chapter of the prominent Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), further lauded Clark as an irreplaceable sage. He, however, mourned that Clark’s passing has left a substantial void not only in the Ijaw nation but in the entire Niger Delta region and beyond.

The Rivers lawmaker extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and encouraged them to “find solace in the knowledge that Pa Clark led a fulfilled life and will be eternally remembered for the significant positive impact he made during his lifetime.”