A former Presidential aspirant under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has condoled with the PANDEF and family of the elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark over his death.
A statement on Tuesday by a representative of his family, Prof C.C. Clark, announced the PANDEF leader’s death at 97.
In a *statement* by his Director General, Comrade Eric Oluwole, Anakwenze described Clark’s death on the heels of that of Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, as another great loss to Nigeria “in view of the remarkable contributions of the elder statesman to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Country, Nigeria.”
According to the statement: “The death of the PANDEF and the south south leader, and passionate voice for the restructuring of Nigeria our Country to a balanced federation that will truly promote the interest, development, progress and happiness of all the composite ethnic groups without discrimination, is a great loss to the whole Country.
Anakwenze recalled the golden advice that Clark gave him during his aspiration as a PDP Presidential aspirant.
“We recall that Chief Edwin Clark had for many years been standing as a fighter against the lopsidedness in the Nigerian federation, the unjust revenue sharing formula, the inconsiderate exploitation of the oil resources of the Niger Delta Region by oil companies occasioning the worsening impoverishment and degradation of the region, and endangering the lives of the people.
“Also, we recall Papa’s exemplary and indelible leadership role, sacrifices and contributions to the prodemocracy struggles during our Country’s dark days under military dictatorship. It is noteworthy that PANDEF as one of arrow heads in the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, fought gallantly alongside other arrow heads to force the demilitarization and birthed the prevailing democratic dispensati9n.”
“Commendably, Papa Edwin Clark had been a towering figure among his companions championship the cause of a new Nigeria rebuilt on justice, fairness, and equity for all the citizens irrespective of birth places or social status.
*While I condolence with his family, PANDEF and other patriotic associations be led, I pray that Papa Clark’s path will be blessed, and that Light will shine on his path as he journeys into the Beyond, on his way to Paradise the luminous Kingdom of our Creator the Almighty Father.
“Good Bye Papa. Good Bye good soul.”
