Innocent Onoh
The Southern Solidarity Alliance (SSA) is deeply concerned and pained over the death of two prominent figures from the southern part of the country, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Edwin Clark, saying that their demise was a huge loss to Nigeria.
According to the group, which is an umbrella body of professionals, traders, and technocrats in Southern Nigeria advocating for the well-being and development of their region and people, the two late icons were strong voices from the South, without whom the nation is incomplete.
The group made its position known in a statement signed by some of its executive members, namely Mr. Ndubuisi Okafor, National Coordinator; Mr. Ena Ighalo, Chairman of the Media Committee; Barr. (Sir) Aaron Nwachukwu, Deputy National Coordinator, SE; Engr. Ajibola Lawson
F. Deputy National Coordinator
SW and Hon. Ufuoma Adievuwhare
Deputy National Coordinator, SS.
The statement reads in full,
“We, members of the Southern Solidarity Alliance(SSA), join other Nigerians as we mourn the passage of our two iconic elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Edwin Clark. It’s really a black February for the South and, indeed, for Nigeria as a whole.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere and Clark family, the PANDEF, the State governors of the Southwest and Southsouth, and Nigerians as a whole on the passage of these illustrious and quintessential Elder Statesmen.
“They were larger than life on issues of justice, equity, and concerns for Southerners, the South, Nigerians, and Nigeria in general.
“The late Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a renowned leader of the Afenifere sociocultural group.
“We recognize his extensive contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, from his role as the Organising Secretary of the Action Group to his leadership in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the military era and his leadership in Afenifere.
“He was a detribalized Nigerian and an astute politician, who spent his entire life advocating for equity and justice in Nigeria.
“He will be remembered as a foremost nationalist and patriot who gave his best as a very active leader.
“Pa Edwin Clark became a Numero uno on matters Niger Delta and indeed the South. He was a former Federal Commissioner(Minister), and also patron of PANDEF of which his indelible clamour and concerns for the collective good of the marginalized people of the Niger Delta shall never be forgotten.
“The duo, who were of the same age grade led our South with Gusto even in their old ages! It was pleasant watching them, like twin brothers, with the then President General of Ohanaeze Chief John Nnia Nwodo, collaborate for the greater good of the South. That solemn collaboration must not slip off but should be resuscitated and maintained by the Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and PANDEF in memory of the two elders who fought for the present and future generations of Southern Nigerians.
“Nigeria cannot be complete without the parts they played in attempting to shape up the country in a mould of a land flourishing in equity, social justice, and fairplay.
“The best way to remember Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Edwin Clark is to remain focused on the ideals they lived and died for.
May their souls rest in perfect peace, AMEN.