By Ambrose Ologide.
Former Executive Secretary of DESOPADEC, Chief Andi Kayoma Osawota, a legal luminary and author, has asserted that it will be very difficult for any man to replace late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clarke in the leadership of Pan Niger Delta Forum ( PANDEF ) .
The All Progressive Congress ( APC ) stalwart made the assertion in an exclusive media chat with our correspondent at his Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area residence on Monday 3rd March, 2025.
Osawota recalled that inspite of the old age of the late sage , he joined the youths of Niger Delta Region in fighting for resource control to his last day on earth which earned him the true leadership of PANDEF which he left behind.
” He did not relent; he did not allow his age to deter him.
“Pa Clarke was calm , articulate and he placed himself as an icon of Nigerian politics.” Osawota added
Osawota who bears the exalted title of Ogba ( strong man ) of the ancient Orogun Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area, described Chief Pa Clarke as one of the doyens of Nigerian politics, therefore insisted that it will not be easily be replaced by any man in Niger Delta cause.
Osawota also stated that one good thing Chief Clarke will be remembered for, is his gift of memory ” He ( Chief Pa Clarke) is a resposory of history of the Nigerian politics.
” He is a great man and an astitute politician ” Osawota added
Osawota who further stressed that Chief Pa Clarke championed the cause of Niger Delta for a very long time, gave kudos to the late leader of PANDEF for opening a university in his country home of , Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Osawota noted that the opening of the university is a platform for educational development and that Chief Pa Clarke will be remembered for that for a very long time just as he noted that the university has also brought infrastructural development to the area.
