From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Lagos State chapter of Ijaw Elders’ Forum (IEF) have hailed foremost Niger Delta and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, for his contributions to the development of the country.
Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, turns 93 today.
In a statement on Sunday in Asaba, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor described the nonagenarian as “a fearless and patriotic leader” who cares for the interests of his people and the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
“In the past 93 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfilment, you have not only served our nation at different levels but with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, to its peace and unity,” he said.
In a joint statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Chief Bukazi Etete and Pastor Efiye Bribena, the IEF lauded Clark’s contributions to peace and unity of the country.
Also, a former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Gbagi, described Chief Clark as a nationalist and an elder-statesman committed to the unity of Nigerian.
In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Gbagi recalled that Clark, while serving as Minister of Information under Yakubu Gowon’s administration in 1975, spearheaded the drive to create the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to other countries in the West African region.
“Without mincing words, he is a blessing to our nation, given his immense contributions as a nationalist and elder-statesman towards ensuring the unity of Nigeria,” he said.