King Pereama Freetown JP pens down historic tribute in honor of late ljaw

King Pereama Freetown JP pens down historic tribute in honor of late ljaw national leader pa E.K. Clark 

Tribute to Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

The loss of a Colossus!

Clark was born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State. He attended primary and secondary schools at Effurun, Okrika and Afugbene before completing further studies at the Government Teacher Training College, which later became Delta State University, Abraka. Thereafter, Clark worked briefly as a school teacher before travelling to the United Kingdom to earn a law degree.

Clark was involved in politics and his journey started during the pre-independence period when he was elected as Councillor for Bomadi in 1953. He later joined National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). While a student at Holborn College, he was active in the West African Students' Union.

After the military coup of January 1966, Clark was among a group of delegates from the Mid-West who opposed any ideas of confederation that were raised at an ad-hoc constitutional conference set up by Gowon in 1966. The delegation's mandate was Nigerian unity and when proposals of a loose federation were tabled, the region's delegates asked for adjournment. Clark was later appointed Midwestern Commissioner for Education and later, Finance. As commissioner for education, he was active in the establishment of a Mid-west College of Technology that became the foundation of the University of Benin.

During the second republic, he was a member of the national executive committee of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and was the treasurer of the party in Bendel State (now, in part, Delta State and previously the Mid-Western Region province). In 1983, he was an elected senator for three months at the twilight of the Shagari administration.

Beginning in 1996, Clark was one of the leaders of the Ijaw nation. He supported the Ijaw nation and later became the leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF and the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

Clark was the founder of Edwin Clark University which was established in 2015.

Clark's qualities stern from his unapologetic speaking truth to power which was where he also found his strength.

He was a believer of the Ijaw struggle for emancipation and freedom, he was also a product of the culture which he held dearly till his last days.

Clark loved Ijaw music and always encouraged musicians whenever the opportunity presents itself.

The person of Edwin Kiagbodo Clark can only be compared to Harold Dappa Preye, Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, Melford Okilo and other Ijaw legends.

We will surely miss a legendary figure and father in the struggle .

We extend our condolences to his family and the entire Ijaw nation as we pledge our unflinching support to give him a befitting burial.

Adieu Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark!

Rest on legend!

King Pereama Freetown Jp, Izon numu pere II

For and on behalf of Ijaw Musicians.