Tinubu Describes Him As The Iroko Of South-South, Eagle Of The Nation
Former Head of State, General Dr. Yakubu Gowon(Rtd) has described Chief Edwin Clark as one of the greatest Nigerians that made effort to bring about genuine reconciliation between the North and South after the Nigerian Civil War.
Speaking as Chairman at the public presentation of the book, “Brutally Frank’ by Chief Clark, he said the 96-year-old elder statesman deserved national honours for the roles he played in the implementation of the Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (3Rs) policy of the Federal Government after the 1967-1970 civil war in the country.
Chief Clark, he said, as erstwhile Commissioner for Education in the Mid-West State, had gone ahead without pressure to initiate reconciliation with the war ravaged states of the East Central and its people at the time.
“As a matter of fact, he went to the extent of using his first daughter, now Mrs. Rebecca Okorodudu, who was a teenager in one of the best schools in Mid-West at the time as a kind of guinea pig, moving her to Queen’s School, Enugu, which had great impact from the unfortunate years of conflict.”
The chairman explained that Clark had also extended a hand of solidarity to the northern States by sending hundreds of science teachers to various parts of the northern States from the Mid-West.
“He also attracted some of their young persons and gave them places in the best schools in his home state.”
According to him, that was the reason he had appointed Clark for the job of information minister at that time when the country needed to show warmness and empathy for one another as a people.
“He did the same for the East-Central States, sending help to the University and other institutions in the war affected areas.
“The period in which Nigeria emerged from its most challenging political turmoil was one that needed great dexterity and empathy in the arduous task of reconciliation, rehabilitation, reintegration, reconstruction and rebuilding our bonds of oneness.
“I had an exceptional cabinet of some of the pioneers and best personalities that the country ever produced. Besides personalities like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Dapa Biriye, Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas (SAN) and those of my military constituency such as Admiral Akinwale Wey, Governors and Administrator, Ukpabi Asika, there was also the very courageous and resourceful communicator, Chief Anthony Enahoro from the Mid-West and my team of dedicated civil servants.
“For those who have read Nigerian history, it was Enahoro who in 1953 moved the motion for Nigerian independence and remained one of the most respected voices on the need for the rebuilding of Nigeria. He served as Federal Commissioner (i.e. Minister) of Information in our government. However, he opted to exit because of other commitments and there was a search for a qualified and equally passionate Nigerian.
“This was what took us back to the Mid-West State and brought Edwin Kiagbodo Clark to enter the big shoes left by Enahoro. The need to fill in the void created by Chief Enahoro exit was what gave E.K. the job of Minister in the government which I headed.
“He became my confidant and the voice of the government, fearlessly defending the government and projecting its image. I found comfort in discussing government and other issues with Clark, most amicably at all times.”
Adding: “However, considering his strong personality, there were times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues – commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them on why his own position was better than theirs and any other.
“He was helpful not only in explaining government policies and programmes and in the effort to rebuild our unity in the country but I found him useful in our vision of building a common identity within the West Africa sub-region
‘I therefore found his personality and persuasive skill an asset in visiting various West African countries to canvass the need for us to have a common sub-regional body which today is known as ECOWAS.”
According to him, the book, Brutally Frank, is a very useful chronicle of what had transpired in Nigeria during his lifetime of service.
He expressed hope that the younger generations will be better informed of their experiences that have brought the country to what it is today, of which President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu now represents the centre of common aspirations of peace, unity and progress.
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described Clark as a very fine man and an extra ordinary citizen.
“It is stated that there is no need introducing a man who needs no introduction, he is a household name throughout this country. Clark, the President respects your person, he recognizes the fact that you are part of the Nigerian Legends. You are the Iroko of the South-South, the Eagle of the nation.
“You believe in the unity of this country as has been demonstrated in your book personally written by you and one wouldn’t be surprised because your boss, our father, General Gowon believed so much in the unity of this country and its territorial integrity.
The event that took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja, chaired by Gowon, had President Bola Tinubu; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP); Maryam Abacha, wife of the late former Head of State; Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano, Theophilus Danjuma, former Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff; among personalities in attendance.