Edwin Clark dies at 97

Edwin Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and prominent Ijaw leader, is dead. 

In a statement, the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo, Delta state, said the ex-senator died on Monday, February 17.

He was 97 years of age.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement reads.

Until his passing, Clark was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

His political career began in 1953 when he was elected councillor of Bomadi in Delta state. Clark would later join the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) political party.

He served as Midwestern commissioner of education and later finance between 1966 and 1975.

He pitched tent with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the second republic and was treasurer of the party in the old Bendel state.

The outspoken Ijaw leader and critic was senator for three months in 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.

Clark spent the rest of his life advocating for the rights and development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region.