Clark lived, died for Nigeria, says Peter Obi

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, says the late leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum lived and died for Nigeria.

Obi called on leaders to emulate his qualities of fighting for fairness, justice and “a new Nigeria that is possible”.

He made the statement at the residence of the late Chief Clark after signing the condolence register.

He said the elder statesman consistently fought for a better Nigeria, adding that the country was fast losing voices who fought for justice at the expense of their own lives.

“Let me first and foremost, thank God Almighty, that called him home, and I’m sure he will grant him eternal rest and grant us fortitude and continue to bless the family. He lived and died for Nigeria. He loved Nigeria, and he consistently preached and fought for better governance in Nigeria, based on justice, based on equity, based on care for all.

“As I did say inside, we are fast losing the voices, strong voices that were able to fight even at the risk of their lives, at the risk of losing everything, they refused to be compromised in speaking the truth, speaking for justice, and for us, it is now becoming imperative that we have to live their life if we want a better Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking on what qualities leaders must imbibe from the life of Chief Edwin Clark, Obi said leaders must “remain consistent in speaking the truth, fighting for justice, fighting for equity, fighting for a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Also speaking, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, called on Nigerians to emulate Clark’s belief in Nigeria, noting that Clark had supported him in pursuing amnesty in the Niger Delta.

“He was very patriotic. He fought for Nigeria even as old as he was. He loved Nigeria. I remember when I fought for Amnesty for the Niger Delta youths. He supported me. I went to his house and told him, he called all the leaders in Niger Delta and said ‘Our son Okiro is looking for Niger Delta militants, for amnesty, we must support him’. And that was why I succeeded.

“Edwin Clark was somebody who believed in anything and fought for it. He fought for one in Nigeria. We who are alive must emulate him”, he said.

Clark died at his Abuja residence on Monday, February 17, aged 97.