President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, southern governors, northern governors and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, led the avalanche of tributes for elder statesman, Edwin Clark, who died on Monday, aged 97 years.

Clark’s demise was announced in a statement released by his family on Tuesday morning.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February 2025.

“Born in Kiagbodo, in the Ijaw area of what is now Delta State, late Clark 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, he worked briefly as a school teacher before travelling abroad to earn a law degree.

“He worked with the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and head of state, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. In 1966, he was a member of an advisory committee to the military governor of the Mid-Western Region province, David Ejoor and was appointed Federal Commissioner of Information in 1975.

“May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

FG, others render tributes

Leading the tributes, President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, mourned the transition to the great beyond of a real patriot.

The President noted that Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.

“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic,” Tinubu said.

“As an astute politician, Clark’s political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke.

“History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism.

“I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”

In the same vein, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described Clark as a distinguished patriot and a relentless advocate for justice and equity.

Idris added that Clark’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and development, particularly through his roles as a politician, nationalist, and elder statesman, left a significant impact on the country’s governance and unity.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described the death of elder statement, Edwin Clark as a monumental loss to the nation.

In a statement he signed, Akpabio noted that Clark lived a life of service, conviction and dedication to justice.

“Pa Clark’s remarkable life was marked by strength and an undying commitment to the unity of this country. His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion,” Akpabio said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas said Clark served Nigeria diligently until the end.

A statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, described Clark as an elder statesman who fought for the interests of the oil-rich Niger Delta region all his life.

Rendering his tribute, Obasanjo bemoaned the depleting ranks of the nation’s patriotic leaders, particularly at this crucial state of the country when their wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.

Obasanjo lamented that it was unfortunate that Clark’s death came barely four days after the demise of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the foremost Yoruba leader and Chairman of Afenifere.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Tuesday, Obasanjo noted that, over the years, Clark has been imbued with an undying love for his people and remained one of the more articulate and vocal champions of improved conditions for the oil-bearing states.

Govs mourn

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum in a statement personally signed by its Chairman, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, mourned the death of the two nationalists who recently passed away.

“The deaths of the nonagenarians are a huge depletion in the ranks of outstanding voices who were never afraid to offer their views on issues of national importance.

“The Forum recalls that the duo played critical roles in the evolution of the country’s democracy, constitutional development, and the discourse around its federal system vis-a-vis topical issues of resource control and the rights of ethnic minorities,” AbdulRazaq said.

Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun, said the nation lost arguably the most engaging voice seeking redress of decades of exploitation and marginalisation of the Niger Delta peoples.

He said: “The exit of Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark at 97 marks a watershed in Nigerian history. As a man who lived through the struggles and triumphs of the colonial, Independence, and post-independence eras with all the twists and turns, Chief Clark was simply a personification of Nigerian history.

“He served with distinction for about seven decades and was one of the most accomplished voices of courage and progressivism that Nigeria has ever witnessed.”

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Yahaya, also noted that Clark was an upright and relentless advocate for fairness, and whose contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse earned him admiration and respect.

“Chief Edwin Clark was an advocate for the rights of the downtrodden and a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. His commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great repute. His demise is a profound loss, not just to the South-South but to the entire country,” the statement partly read.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said Clark lived as a beacon of hope and conscience to leaders in government.

“He has left indelible footprints as a nationalist for the inspiring roles he played in the Middle-Belt Leaders Forum and as leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum,” Fubara said.

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, lauded Clark as an unpretentious federalist, who gave his all in service to God, country, and humanity at large.

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, said the nation has lost one of the ‘last icons of a generation’ in Nigeria’s history.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, through his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, noted that Clark was a distinguished nationalist, an unwavering advocate for justice, and a pillar of wisdom whose immense contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development will never be forgotten.

“Throughout his life, Chief Clark remained a voice of reason, a defender of equity, and a symbol of integrity in public service. His steadfast commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria inspired generations, and his legacy as an elder statesman will continue to guide us in the pursuit of national harmony and development,” Mohammed said.

Speaking, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, said the Ijaw nation has lost a father figure and an irrepressible voice.

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, called on leaders to emulate Clark’s qualities of fighting for fairness, justice and “a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Obi, who made the statement at the residence of the late Chief Clark after signing the condolence register, said the elder statesman consistently fought for a better Nigeria, adding that the country was fast losing voices who fought for justice at the expense of their own lives.

“We are fast losing the voices, strong voices that were able to fight even at the risk of their lives, at the risk of losing everything, they refused to be compromised in speaking the truth, speaking for justice, and for us, it is now becoming imperative that we have to live their life if we want a better Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, called on Nigerians to emulate Clark’s belief in Nigeria, noting that Clark had supported him in pursuing amnesty in the Niger Delta.

PANDEF, Afenifere, others salute

The PANDEF also mourned the passing away of a national patriarch.

A statement by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Dr Godknows Igali, stressed that Nigeria had lost a tireless advocate for justice, equality and human rights, a passionate champion of the people, a brilliant mind, whose generous spirit will continue to inspire all Nigerians to work more towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.

The President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, said Clark’s death has left a major vacuum.

“He played a leading role in the reunification of the South-South and the Middle East. He is that voice, that irrepressible voice, of not only the Ijaw people but also the Niger Delta and the minorities across West Africa. The issue of integrity, courage, the capacity to speak truth to power, the capacity to speak undiluted truth to power; these are qualities that are very, very difficult to be replicated in anybody at all.

“Clark died, leaving a major vacuum. But we have this belief in God that in the same manner that Clark was raised, was raised and prepared for leadership, there is no vacuum in politics, in life at all. So we also believe that the national process will follow, in bringing up a leader that will take over from him,” Okaba said.

The Afenifere, through its National Publicity Secretary, acknowledged Clark’s passion for a better Nigeria, like the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, held that Clark’s public service records spanning pre-colonial and post-colonial Nigeria were legendary and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment and dedication to nation-building.

On its part, The Patriots, under the chairmanship of Chief Emeka Anyaoku, expressed sadness at the demise of Clark particularly coming a few days after the death of Afenifere chieftain Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

A statement by the general secretary, The Patriots, Olawale Okunniyi, lamented that the nation lost patriots who made courageous and forthright interventions on national issues.

The Patriots noted that Clark stood out as an inspiring and formidable voice committed to a new people’s constitution, the return of the country to true democratic federalism to be negotiated by the constituent assembly of Nigerians.

In his tribute, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi recalled that Clark was noted for promptness, pointing to the fact that during the 2014 National Conference, the PANDEF leader was never late for any session throughout the conference.

The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, noted that Clark stood out as a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for better resource control, environmental protection, and economic development for the region.

“We have lost yet another strong voice in the country. The late Edwin Clark was a big influence in Nigeria. He led the Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly and fought with his last breath to ensure that Nigeria was restructured. He also led the Pre-National Conference in Asaba, Uyo, Calabar, Lagos and he also ensured that the Southern delegates had a common voice,” Adams said.

President, Middle Belt Forum, Bitrus Pogu pointed to Clark’s deep investment in the welfare of the Middle Belt region, noting that he dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria, advocating tirelessly for justice, peace, and the protection of marginalized ethnic groups.

“His commitment to fairness and national unity was unparalleled. He was an irreplaceable leader who served as a pivotal rallying point for those advocating for an inclusive Nigeria,” Pogu said.

The National Secretary of the CUPP, Peter Ameh, said Clark left an indelible mark in his unwavering commitment to unity, diversity, and truth.

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Engineer Sunday Makinde, the older brother of Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde.

Engineer Sunday Makinde passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 65.

In a statement issued on behalf of the 36 state governors, NGF Chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Makinde, the Makinde family, and the people of Oyo State.

“Engineer Sunday Makinde’s exemplary life of service and dedication will forever remain an inspiration to all who associated with him,” the statement read.

The NGF assured Governor Makinde of its unwavering solidarity during this time of mourning and offered prayers for the repose of his brother’s soul.

The Forum also extended prayers for comfort and strength to the Makinde family and all those grieving the loss of Engineer Sunday Makinde.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to serve as a beacon of love and unity,” the statement added.

The chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 82, after a protracted illness.

In a condolence message on behalf of the 19 northern State governors, Governor Yahaya described the late General JT Useni as a committed patriot, a seasoned military officer, and an exemplary statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.

Former FCT Minister, General JT Useni, Dies At 82

He noted the former Minister’s remarkable role in the development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and his steadfast commitment to national unity and progress when he served as a Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, stating that his contributions would remain indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

“Lt. General Useni was a highly respected leader whose remarkable service in both military and civil capacities left a significant impact on Nigeria’s governance and development. His wealth of experience, wisdom, and commitment to national unity will be sorely missed,” Governor Yahaya remarked.

The NSGF chairman extended his condolences to Governor Caleb Muftwang, the government and people of Plateau State, where the late General hailed from, as well as his family and associates, urging them to take solace in his exemplary life and enduring legacies of patriotism and service.

“On behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, our dear brother, Governor Caleb Muftwang, the good people of Plateau State, and indeed the entire nation. We pray Almighty God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss,” he added.

The death toll in the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction near Suleja in Niger State has risen to 86, with 55 persons injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.

By Saturday when the incident happened, the death toll was put at 70 and 50 injured.

However, more corpses have since been recovered and given mass burial in Dikko.

A speeding fuel tanker crashed on Saturday morning in Dikko Junction between Niger and Kaduna states.

The tanker, in the process of scooping fuel which spilled on the tarred road, exploded with a heavy flame which killed all the residents trying to scoop fuel as well as others who attempted to rescue them.

The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, in a statement on Sunday, said the agency, as well as the Gurara Local Government Area authorities and kind-hearted volunteers, conducted the mass burial between 5 pm and 12 am.

“A total number of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their corpses recovered and buried.

“80 of them are in mass graves at Dikko PHC premises, while five were carried away for burial in the town by relatives and one died in Dikko PHC.

“The mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara LGA and very brave, kind-hearted volunteers between the hours of 5 pm and 12 am.

“The number of injured now stands at 55 with one dead in Dikko PHC,” Baba-Arah stated.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who visited the scene of the explosion, banned vehicles coming from the Maje axis from passing through the Dikko bridge.

In a statement on Sunday, issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor directed the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to ensure the enforcement of the directive.

Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.

Tinubu also directed the relevant agencies to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.

The President mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign to raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government directed the immediate transfer of victims of the recent tanker explosion from Suleja General Hospital to tertiary health facilities, to ensure prompt and enhanced medical care.

Idris, who was joined by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, at the explosion scene, noted that the President had instructed the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies to ensure that critically injured victims received urgent care at specialist hospitals.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari expressed condolences in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu.

He expressed disappointment that the practice of scooping up fuel was becoming common despite warnings from the authorities and the devastating losses of life that had characteristically attended such incidents.

In condoling with the government and the people of Niger state, the former president wished speedy recovery to those injured.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, commiserated with families of the victims and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in a condolence message issued by his Media Adviser, Musa Krishi, lamented that the accident caused the loss of many lives in a terrific and shocking manner.

“The Speaker calls for proper investigation of the accident by the relevant authorities while urging motorists to be cautious while driving,” the message read.

The Northern Governors’ Forum, on Sunday, expressed sorrow over the tanker explosion.

The forum’s chairman and Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of his colleagues, noted that accidents of this nature had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the victims and their families but also the entire nation.

“On behalf of the northern governors, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State. We stand in solidarity with you and share in your grief,” it said.

The Southern Governors’ Forum, in a statement by its chairman and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the tanker fire explosion as a devastating tragedy.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, on behalf of the forum, Abiodun said that the governments and the people of the southern states were deeply troubled by the tragedy.

“To say that we in the Southern Governors’ Forum are terribly shocked by this devastating tragedy in which as many as 77 (now 86) people lost their lives and no less than 25 (now 50) others were grievously injured would be an understatement.

“This is a soul-crushing event that has befallen Niger State, and we pray that Almighty Allah will comfort the families that lost their loved ones in the incident,” the statement read.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, in a statement issued in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that had caused immense pain to families and communities across Niger State.

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of lives and the suffering caused by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured, and all those affected,” Ganduje said.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, in a statement signed by the Corps Spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, described the incident as a tragic and preventable loss and urged fuel tanker operators to strictly adhere to safety standards when handling and transporting petroleum products.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam called on the Federal Government to take urgent action against tanker explosions and criminalities in the country.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof Khalid Aliyu, in Kaduna, on Sunday, the JNI described the incident as “one too many” and called on the government to take concrete steps to prevent future occurrences.

The JNI also urged the government to provide maximal surveillance on explosion-prone highways and to expedite action in completing the 40-kilometre Suleja-Minna road, a dual carriageway connecting Abuja and Niger State, which has been ongoing for over 20 years.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in a press release jointly signed by NUPENG President and General Secretary, Williams Akporeha and Olawale Afolabi, respectively, appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent steps to repair failed sections of the highways and mandate relevant agencies to carry out sensitisation campaigns to educate Nigerians on the danger of scooping fuel from collapsed petrol tankers.

“As a responsible organisation, NUPENG collaborates annually with relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the police, and state traffic management agencies, to train our drivers on road safety. The union is committed to continuous training and retraining of members on best driving and safety practices,” it said.

Former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has joined the family, friends and the nation in mourning a former vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, who died yesterday, describing him as a towering intellectual giant.

In a tribute to the pioneer vice chancellor of the Sokoto State University, Sokoto, the former president said Professor Yaqub had left an indelible mark on the nation’s intellectual landscape through his works in teaching and research.

“I have known him for many years as a towering scholar whose knowledge, passion, and insights on public policy were taken very seriously by serious administrators. He was a scholar par excellence. May Allah grant him Aljannah,” a statement from his spokesman Garba Shehu said.

Similarly, the director general, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, (NILDS),  Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, expressed deep condolences on the passing of Prof. Yaqub, who was the chairman of the Institute’s Academic Advisory Board.

In a statement, Prof. Sulaiman described the death of Prof. Yaqub as shocking and devastating.

He described Prof. Yaqub as a renowned scholar who played a pivotal role in advancing education and research in Nigeria. Prof. Yaqub’s dedication and expertise, he noted, had left an indelible mark on the intellectual development of the nation, influencing countless students and policymakers.

Prof. Sulaiman lamented that the highly accomplished scholar and political scientist exited the stage at a time when his vast experience and knowledge would have been invaluable.

He described the loss as a personal one, adding that Kogi State had lost an illustrious academic.

He extended his condolences to Prof. Yaqub’s wife, children, and family, as well as the government and people of Kogi State, academic institutions and the university community across the country.

Prof. Sulaiman prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaus and to give his family, colleagues, and all who mourn him the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the chairman of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ) in the state, Alh Tunde Akanbi and his family over the death of their matriarch, Hajia Falilat Ajibike Akanbi-Oriokoh.

Similarly, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, expressed sadness over the demise of Hajia Ori-Okoh.

Hajia Ori-Okoh died on Tuesday at the age of 91 and was buried on Wednesday in Ilorin.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor urged the popular broadcaster to be comforted by the exemplary life of service to God and humanity of his mother.

He extended his condolences to the Ori-Okoh compound of Ilorin Emirate on the development, which came only a few weeks after they lost an illustrious daughter, Hajia Aminat Modupe Ibrahim.

He prayed Allaah to grant the deceased and all her deceased brethren al-jannah Firdaus, and uphold the family upon goodness.

In his own condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, AbdulKadir Yusuf, Speaker Danladi-Salihu sympathised with the veteran journalist over the passing of his mother.

He urged Akanbi to take solace in the legacy of the deceased whom she described as a virtuous woman who dedicated her life to the service of God and humanity.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for all those who mourned the painful loss.