By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna, and Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
Middle Belt Forum (MBF) on Tuesday, February 18, said it was deeply devastated by the passing of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered nationalist, elder statesman, and leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).
The forum stated that the demise of Chief Clark marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s struggle for equity, justice, and true federalism.
According to a statement by MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has expressed profound sorrow over the death, emphasizing Chief Clark’s unwavering commitment to the progress and well-being of the Middle Belt.
Chief Clark passed away on Tuesday in Abuja, the Nigerian capital,at 97, barely three days after the death of another great Nigerian, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader and another apostle of equity and justice in Nigeria.
Pogu stated: “Chief Edwin Clark was deeply invested in the welfare of the Middle Belt region. He stood by us in our most challenging times and made several interventions to champion our cause.
“He dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria, advocating tirelessly for justice, peace, and the protection of marginalized ethnic groups that have historically faced domination and suppression within the Nigerian state. His commitment to fairness and national unity was unparalleled.”
Pogu added that the Middle Belt mourned the loss of an irreplaceable leader, who served as a pivotal rallying point for those advocating for an all-inclusive Nigeria.
“His voice resonated beyond the South-South region, as he fought alongside other regional leaders to uphold the rights of all Nigerians, particularly those in the Middle Belt and Southern regions,” Pogu noted.
Dr. Pogu stated that Chief Clark’s passing is even more heartbreaking as it comes less than a week after the demise of Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who served as Deputy Leader of SMBLF.
“Their near-simultaneous departures leave a great void in the collective struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria.
“The passing of these two distinguished nonagenarians is not only a profound loss to their respective regions but also to the Middle Belt and to the entire nation. Their leadership, wisdom, and relentless pursuit of fairness will be sorely missed.
“As we mourn this monumental loss, we pray that the Almighty Creator welcomes Pa Edwin Clark with open arms and grants him eternal rest after a lifetime of selfless service to humanity.
“May his legacy continue to inspire the fight for a just and equitable Nigeria,” Dr. Pogu prayed.
In his hometown of Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, a mammoth crowd of mourners converged on his residence to commiserate with available family members over the loss.
PeopleandPolitics.net correspondent saw people gathered in groups discussing the demise.
