Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has expressed great shock over the news of the death of the leader of the Ijaw people, Chief Edwin Clark, describing him as someone genuinely committed to a just and united Nigeria.
Prof. Akinyemi, who was the Deputy Chairman of the National Conference held in 2014, recalled his close interaction with the deceased elder statesman at the conference, applauding him for his promptness in attending the sittings of the conference by not coming late for one day during the entire session.
The Governing Board Chairman of NIIA said while Chief Clark did not speak much publicly, his intervention behind was much and motivated by the desire to maintain a just and united Nigeria, adding: “He used his extensive links with fellow statesmen to assuage emotions when those flew.”
Prof. Akinyemi, however, said Chief Clark had earned the rest, praying to God to rest him in peace.
“It is with a heavy heart that I heard this morning of the death of the old man, Chief Edwin C Clark.
“For six months in 2014, I interacted at close quarters with him at the National Conference. Chief Clark was a delegate, as an eminent statesman while I was the Deputy Chairman.
“One of the things that struck me was that Chief Clark was not late for one day or one session during the entire session of the Conference.
“While he did not speak much publicly, behind the scenes, his intervention was much and it was motivated by the desire to maintain a just and united Nigeria. He used his extensive links with fellow statesmen to assuage emotions when those flew, he said.
“He has earned the rest and may he rest in peace,” he prayed.
Source: Tribune