Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent South-South leader, passed away on Monday night at the age of 97. His death was announced by his family, who confirmed that the chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) died peacefully.

President Bola Tinubu shared his grief on Tuesday, describing Clark as a "passionate advocate for resource control, economic, and environmental justice in the Niger Delta." Tinubu highlighted Clark's extensive service to Nigeria, noting his roles as a councillor, state, and federal cabinet member, and his significant influence on the national political scene for nearly six decades.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the loss as a significant depletion of Nigeria's pool of patriotic leaders, lauding Clark's contributions as a lawyer, economist, administrator, politician, and community leader. He emphasized Clark's vocal advocacy for better conditions in the oil-rich Niger Delta states.

Muhammadu Buhari, another former president, expressed deep sorrow, calling Clark an "iconic statesman" whose dedication to reform and development would be long remembered. He urged the Clark family and the Delta region to cherish his legacy.

Emeka Anyaoku, the third Commonwealth Secretary-General, remembered Clark for his service across various governmental roles and his advocacy for Nigerian unity. Anyaoku noted Clark's efforts in fostering solidarity among different ethnic groups through his leadership at PANDEF.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar mourned Clark as a true federalist and patriot, especially poignant as the nation was still grappling with the recent death of another elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, also shared his condolences via social media, reflecting on the back-to-back losses of Clark and Adebanjo.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through its chairman Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, mourned the loss, describing both Clark and Adebanjo as voices of national importance whose legacies would endure.

Other tributes came from the Southern Governors Forum, Northern States Governors’ Forum, and various state governors like Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo, all recognizing Clark's significant contributions to Nigerian society, governance, and advocacy for the Niger Delta.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also paid homage to Clark's wisdom and commitment to national progress, while PANDEF described his death as the fall of a "mighty Iroko tree."

Government officials, from local to national levels, along with various community leaders and organizations, expressed a collective sense of loss but also celebrated Clark's enduring legacy in Nigerian politics and society.