I received the news of the passing of Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark with great grief but profound gratitude to God for a fulfilled and impactful life.

Chief Clark was an exceptional nationalist, elder statesman, and Pan Niger Delta leader who devoted his life to the service of the South-South region and Nigeria, making indelible and unblemished contributions to the progress and development of the nation and its people.

A strong idealist, Chief Clark was a political colossus whose dedication to justice, equity, and fairness earned him a revered place in Nigeria’s history. He stood tall as a voice for the marginalized, advocating for national unity and progress, while never wavering in his quest for the development of the Niger Delta.

As a commissioner of education in the Midwestern region and later finance between 1966 and 1975, Chief Clark was one of the major brains behind the revolution of education in the region, now Edo and Delta States.

Cerebral, fearless, courageous, and independent-minded, he made indelible marks in the social and political development of the country that would not be forgotten in a hurry. His demise is a huge loss to the entire country, and his wise counsel would be greatly missed.

Apart from knowing Chief Clark as a great national icon, I will also cherish the very closely-knit personal relationship I had with him since childhood.

Being a good friend to the Gbinigie and Obaseki families, I had the rare privilege of enjoying his personal affection and kind guidance from very early in my life.

I will remain profoundly grateful for the love, dedication, and support he showed me during my political career and service as the governor of Edo State between 2016 and 2024.

I offer my deepest condolences to the Clark family, the Niger Delta region, and indeed the entire nation, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.

His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Governor, Edo State (2016-2024)