The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to immortalize the late Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader.
The Senate made the call during a plenary session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The upper chamber observed a minute of silence in Clark’s honor and resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with his family and attend his burial and funeral rites. The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC-Delta South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone.
In his presentation, Thomas highlighted Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution and his commitment to the rights of the Niger Delta people. Clark was described as a nationalist, renowned lawyer, seasoned administrator, philanthropist, and astute advocate for the Niger Delta region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Clark’s courage and lifelong advocacy for equity and justice. Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue South) lamented Clark’s death, saying his wise counsel was needed at this time. Other senators, including Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South), commended Clark’s contributions to Nigeria and his fight for the underprivileged.
The Senate’s call to immortalize Clark reflects a recognition of his indelible contributions to national unity, justice, and development. Clark’s political journey began in 1953, and he played a key role in the Midwestern Region’s fight for Nigerian unity during the 1966 constitutional conference.