By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Ijaw Lawyers Forum (ILF) has described the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, as Nigeria’s most consistent advocate for the rule of law and a fearless defender of justice.
The forum expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating that his contributions to national discourse and the legal profession remain unparalleled.
Clark, a former federal commissioner for information and convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), passed away at the age of 97 in Abuja.
The Ijaw Lawyers Forum, a global body of Ijaw legal practitioners, said his demise was a great loss not just to the Ijaw Nation but to the entire legal community in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by prominent members, including Eric Omare, Esq., Somina Johnbull, Esq., and Abiye Abo, Esq., the forum noted that Chief Clark was a pillar of legal activism and governance. “Chief Edwin Clark was a champion of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. His voice was a constant reminder of the need for justice and fairness in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The forum highlighted that Clark, who was called to the Bar in England as a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple before being admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1965, was a pioneer of legal advocacy in the Niger Delta. He was the second lawyer from the western flank of the Ijaw Nation, following Chief E.K. Iseru, who was called to the English Bar in 1958.
“His unwavering stance on constitutional matters, resource control, and good governance made him a revered figure in Nigeria’s legal and political circles. He was a man who spoke truth to power without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The ILF also extended condolences to the Clark-Bekederemo family and the people of Kiagbodo, Delta State, where the late elder statesman hailed from. They assured that the legal profession would honour his memory and uphold the principles he stood for.
“As a legal community, we will ensure that Chief Clark’s legacy endures. His advocacy for the Niger Delta and his belief in the supremacy of the law will remain a guiding light for generations to come,” the forum stated.