Fasoranti on Clark’s death: It’s painful losing my comrades in succession

Reuben Fasoranti, national leader of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, has mourned the death of Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

Clark, a former commissioner under the Yakubu Gowon government, died on Monday at the age of 97.

In his tribute, Fasoranti said Clark will be remembered as a bold leader and an advocate of restructuring.

He said it is sad to lose his comrades in succession, making reference to the passing of Ayo Adebanjo, the factional leader of Afenifere, who died on February 14.

“Since the need to ensure that Nigeria serves the best interests of the vast majority became more pertinent, my brother, Chief Edwin Clark, was a very strong advocate. His voice was loud in the agitations for a restructured Nigeria. He always displayed the same strong passions on national issues especially those that affected the south-south,” Fasoranti said.

“Of course, we know that death is inevitable for all mortals, but it can be heart-rending and painful to be losing one’s comrades in succession.

“On behalf of Afenifere and fellow compatriots, I condole the immediate and extended families of our late patriot, Chief Edwin Clark, the people of Delta State and the people of the South South generally on his demise.”

Clark was also a member of the south and middle belt leaders forum (SMBLF) formed by the ethnic nationalities from the middle belt, south-south, south-east and south-west geopolitical zones.