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David Mark Urges Tinubu to Immortalize Clark, Adebanjo • Pa Clark ‘s a Moral Compass- Akpabio
Senator Mark noted that Clark and Adebanjo may not have seen a Nigeria of their dreams but they have laid a solid foundation for future growth and development.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David MarkSenator Mark on Tuesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to immortalize Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, for their selfless services and contributions to Nigeria.
Senator David Mark hopes that the ideals of patriotism, equal opportunities, unity, peace, and progress which the departed elder statesmen advocated will inspire Nigeria’s future growth.
The former Senate boss also consoles the immediate families, governments, and people of Ogun and Delta States just as he urged them to find solace in the credible legacies left behind by the two elder statesmen.
David Mark lamented over the demise of two elder statesmen and patriots: former Federal Commissioner for Information,
“Their demise marks the end of an era thus, creating a void in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape,” Mark stated.
Senator Mark described Clark and Adebanjo as the “last of the conscience of the nation, who tirelessly fought for a progressive Nigeria of equal opportunities for all.
“Both elder statesmen were united in their quest for an egalitarian society, free from oppression and marginalization.
” Senator Mark added that their exit is painful and regrettable, especially at this time when Nigeria needs men of good conscience and valour to address the numerous challenges.
However, Senator Mark noted that Clark and Adebanjo may not have seen a Nigeria of their dreams but they have laid a solid foundation for future growth and development.
He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient, because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty
Similarly, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a deeply felt condolence message, described Pa Clark’s demise as a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta, and all who cherish unity, fairness, and national progress.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pa Edwin Clark, a renowned statesman, nationalist, and Ijaw leader.
His dedication to Nigeria’s unity and development will remain evergreen in the hearts of those who knew him. As a nation, we have lost a true patriot and a champion of justice.”
At 97 years old, Pa Clark stood as a bridge between generations—his life a testament to resilience, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Nigeria.
From his early days as a councillor, to his service as a federal minister, to his revered role as a political father and advisor to President Goodluck Jonathan, he was not just a leader—he was a moral compass, reminding us all of the responsibility that comes with governance.
He was a warrior for the Niger Delta, a fearless advocate for equity and resource control, and an unrelenting defender of the oppressed.
He spoke truth to power, even when it was inconvenient, because he understood that leadership is not about comfort—it is about duty.
“Pa Clark’s remarkable life was marked by strength and an undying commitment to the unity of this country.
His voice, though now silenced, will echo in the annals of our history, urging us always toward justice, fairness, and national cohesion.
” Beyond his national impact, I remember with deep gratitude his unwavering support for me, especially when I visited to seek his blessing and endorsement in my bid for the Senate Presidency.
His counsel was always rooted in wisdom, his encouragement a reflection of his deep commitment to responsible leadership.
In a moment now filled with sorrowful reflection, I recall that just a week before his passing, I sent emissaries to check on him, never imagining that it would be the last time we would reach out to him in this world.
I did not know that he was preparing for a greater journey, leaving behind the toils of this earth for the eternal peace of the better world beyond.
On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and the entire Senate, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, PANDEF, the people and government of Delta State, and every Nigerian who knew and loved him.”
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Nigeria to Send Troops for Peacekeeping in the Republic of Benin
In the letter, the appeal follows an urgent request from the Government of the Republic of Benin for exceptional and immediate air support from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking its approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin for the purpose of peacekeeping in the aftermath of a coup.
The request is conveyed in a letter read during the plenary by the Senate President , Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday.
President Tinubu cited Section 5, Subsection 5, Part 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following consultations with the National Defence Council.
In the letter, the appeal follows an urgent request from the Government of the Republic of Benin for exceptional and immediate air support from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Tinubu explains that Benin is currently facing an attempted unconstitutional seizure of power, leading to the disruption and destabilization of its democratic institutions.
He notes that the situation requires swift external intervention.
He emphasizes that, given the close ties of brotherhood between both nations and the principles of collective security under ECOWAS, Nigeria has a duty to provide the necessary support..
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Burkina Faso grounds Nigerian military aircraft over airspace violations
The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.
The Government of Burkina Faso said a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 11 soldiers was forced to land in the country on Monday after reportedly violating its airspace.
The development was reported by the Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, which published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States.
The statement, translated from French, read, “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace.
The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.
”The statement added that an investigation by Burkinabe authorities “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.”
The AES condemned the incident as a violation of sovereignty, saying it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States.”
The body warned that “air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederate space put on maximum alert…were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the Confederate space.”
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Obasanjo shares four pillars to end insurgency in Nigeria
Obasanjo emphasised that the civil war lasted for 30 months. Although we thought it would last for six months. But this fight against insurgents and criminals has lasted for almost 15 years.
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo says that Nigerian government needs a combination of training, equipment, intelligence, and technology to end insurgency.
Obasanjo, during an appearance on the ‘Toyin Falola Interviews’ conversation, which was live-streamed on social media, noted that the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria has lasted longer than the country’s civil war that took place between 1967 and 1970.
Obasanjo emphasised that the civil war lasted for 30 months. Although we thought it would last for six months. But this fight against insurgents and criminals has lasted for almost 15 years.
”There is nothing wrong with Nigerian military personnel receiving training in countries that have solved the insurgency challenge,”he added.
Citing his experience with the Niger Delta militancy, he said that he will not rule out the tendency of security personnel colluding with insurgents.
His words: “There are four important items and I hope that those who are in charge — military, executive, and legislature — know what they are doing.
First, there is training. There are different types of training.
The military is trained for conventional war.“If the people you are dealing with are fleeting targets or living among your people, you will need different types of training to deal with them.
“Among the countries that have done that fairly successfully is Colombia. Should we invite them to train our people? There is no shame in that. It is a specialised type of training.“
There is the equipment. The equipment to fight that type of warfare. It differs from equipment for conventional warfare.
The other one is intelligence. You need absolute intelligence. Can others trust us with the intelligence that they have?“The fourth one is technology. These four have to come together and do other things internally.
“Then you ask the military to be the one buying equipment. It is not done. The whole thing is an industry. It is an industry,” he said.
Nigeria to Send Troops for Peacekeeping in the Republic of Benin
Burkina Faso grounds Nigerian military aircraft over airspace violations
Obasanjo shares four pillars to end insurgency in Nigeria
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