Senate’s valedictory session on Thursday in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, recorded a dramatic twist as its president, Godswill Akpabio, poured verbal venom on the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, for declaring that the labour of our fallen heroes are in vain.
Obi had lamented during Clark’s memorial lecture on Wednesday that the labour of our heroes past is now in vain.
He said: “For somebody like me who had just been part of the 2023 general election, he (Clark) lived a life of courage, a life of sacrifice, a life of justice, a life that is valued. But most importantly, he continued living that life to the end. So why are we saying it (labours of heroes past) should not be in vain? But I can tell you their sacrifice is in vain. They have sacrificed for nothing.”
The solemn event was immediately turned into a session of rebuke for Obi, with Akpabio challenging him to first resolve the crises in his small Labour Party.
But Akpabio rose in serious disagreement on the floor of the Senate yesterday as he took exception to Obi’s remarks.
For the president of the Senate, the mere fact that Nigeria still exists as a nation is a pointer to the fact that the labour of our fallen heroes is not in vain.
He charged Obi to demonstrate that he has the capacity to rule Nigeria by restoring unity to his party.
“To the Clark family, let me assure you that the enormous turnout today reflects how deeply cherished your late patriarch was. His sweat, his labour, and his legacy were certainly not in vain.
“From the North Central, Senator Lalong reminded us of one of Chief Clark’s defining contributions—the ‘handshake across the Niger’—a proposition he made as Federal Commissioner to foster unity among Nigeria’s peoples. That vision remains etched in the minds of Nigerians today.
“Unfortunately, even at a solemn moment like this, some have chosen to make divisive remarks. Just yesterday, a presidential aspirant, Mr. Peter Obi, reportedly stated that the labours of our past leaders were in vain. I must respectfully but firmly disagree.
“Nigeria is still standing. Despite the challenges we’ve faced—despite attempts by some to sow discord—our unity remains. Very few nations as diverse and vast as Nigeria have remained intact. Countries like the former USSR have fragmented and are still struggling with war and reunification. Nigeria endures, thanks to the voices and efforts of men like Pa Edwin Clark.
“For those spreading falsehoods on social media—many of whom were not even born when Clark was active in service—I say this: his legacy is real. It is tangible. The roads he paved for unity cannot be denied by online narratives.
“If Peter Obi seeks to lead Nigeria, let him first show leadership by resolving the internal crisis in his own party, the Labour Party. If he cannot manage unity within one of Nigeria’s smallest political platforms, how does he hope to solve the larger challenges like insurgency or national cohesion?
“When I had the opportunity to serve, I made sure my work could speak for itself. Today, I can point to the dualised thoroughfares in my state, the flyovers, the best international hospital, and the most digitalised governor’s office in Nigeria. I can show you the best stadium in West Africa.
“I implemented free and compulsory education for all Nigerians in my state. I also promoted religious unity, sponsoring over 5,800 Muslims and between 12,000 to 15,000 Christians to pilgrimage in Rome and Jerusalem.
“We should be remembered for what we did when we had the chance, not just for what we say.”
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in his tributes said, “Chief Edwin Clark was a distinguished nationalist who served Nigeria with honour and distinction. As a Federal Commissioner and later as a Senator of the Federal Republic, he did all he could for his people. He stood firmly for them and for the values he believed in.
“Though he spoke often and passionately about the Niger Delta, his words and actions were always rooted in the broader vision of a united Nigeria. Just as one must protect their household to protect the entire community, Clark’s advocacy for his people was part of his deeper commitment to the nation.
“We must all take a cue from him—stand for your people, protect your roots, but do not lose sight of the greater national interest. He lived his life at the forefront of public service, not just for his community, but for the entire country.
“He will be missed. And we shall always miss him. Let future generations never forget what he stood for—let his patriotism inspire others to serve Nigeria wholeheartedly.”
Senator Seriake Dickson described the late Edwin Clark as the last of the Titans.
In a moving tribute, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele described Pa Edwin Clark as “a man of honour and integrity who embodied the Nigerian spirit through decades of selfless service in education, public administration, and politics.”
The Senate Leader recounted the late statesman’s immense contributions spanning over six decades, including his pioneering role in the establishment of the University of Benin and his vocal advocacy for the Niger Delta region.
Born in 1927, Clark’s career began as a teacher and community development officer before studying law at Holborn College and joining the Inner Temple in London.
He rose to prominence as Commissioner for Education in the Midwestern Region in 1968, later holding several other high-profile portfolios including Finance, Establishment, and Information in the defunct Bendel State.
In 1979, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, where he became known as a formidable voice for national unity and minority rights.
Beyond politics, he founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established a University of Technology in his hometown, reinforcing his belief in education as a vehicle for empowerment.
“His wisdom was often sought in resolving complex national issues,” Bamidele noted. “In recognition of his lifelong dedication, the Federal Government must honour his legacy by naming a major national monument after him.”
The Senate observed a moment of silence in his memory and unanimously supported the call for national immortalisation, marking the end of a life that symbolised integrity, courage, and unrelenting patriotism.
