I congratulate our father and one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen Pa Edwin Clark on the occasion his 94th birthday.I do not know how many of such birthdays you ever have an opportunity to attend so this is a very special day. He has said that due to the passing of his two younger illustrious brothers, he will not be having an elaborate celebration but Nigerians from all walks of life, from all corners of our country at one time or the other have been here to congratulate him. Today, I came here to participate in the birthday service.
I thank the church for the great honor of moving to his home to conduct this and I thank all for coming. We all wish him many many more happy returns of illustrious, truthful and honest service to our people.
As an Ijaw foremost leader, he is our father. We are very happy for the leadership he has given to our people. We are happy with his service to Nigeria in the different capacities he has served Nigeria. He has been our foremost advocate not just of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta but a foremost advocate of a fair, just and equitable Nigeria for all and that is what Pa Clark has come to symbolize.
I heard a bit of his admonition to the country and his repeated call for a fair Nigeria, for a just Nigeria and he has said time and time again to reiterate our Ijaw position, we do not believe in any secessionist agenda, we want none of that but we will not relent in talking about the ideals of a free and just Nigeria.
We will not hold back in fighting and pushing and working with friends and allies and all Nigerians from all walks of life, from all religious backgrounds and all corners of our country, pushing and working together, as brothers, as friends and as allies for a better Nigeria, an equal and just Nigeria, a greater and more prosperous Nigeria and that is what he has wished all of us and we support him in that prayer.
Happy birthday to Pa Edwin Clark once again.