By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

Former presidents, governors, traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians are expected to attend a tribute and prayer for the Niger Delta leader, late Chief Edwin Clark, slated for Thursday in Lagos.

This is contained in a statement by Mrs Baroong Tony-Uranta, on behalf of the Organising Committee, Lagos Tributes for Clark on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Clark, who was the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Ijaw National leader, passed on in February at 97 years.

According to the committee, the tribute for the deceased will be attended by Clark?s widow, associates and friends, celebrating the life and times of late Niger Delta leader.

?The event is being put together at the instance of EK Clark?s widow, Dr (Mrs) Abisola Shodipo-Clark in collaboration with associates of the Niger Delta leader.

?This is in recognition of the huge network of friends and associates of the former federal Commissioner of Information and second Republic Senator, who served the country from Lagos in the 70s and 80s respectively.

?The event expected to host eminent Nigerians, statesmen and women, including leaders of ethnic nationalities and the Civil Society from across Nigeria, will hold at the Lagos Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja from 2.00 p.m. on Thursday.?

Highlights of the programme include a short tribute lecture on True ?Federalism and Resource Control in Nigeria? to be delivered by Prince Fafaa Dan-Princewill.

According to the statement, the Songs of Praise and Prayers will be conducted by The Trinity House led by a renowned Christian Leader in Nigeria, Pastor Itua Ighodalo.

The statement, however, listed some key associates and political leaders invited to the occasion to include, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and wife of Chief Emeka Anyaoku.

Others are, the Chairman of PANDEF, Godknows Igali, acting leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, General. Ike Nwachuckwu(rtd), Obong Victor Attah, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Sir Kensington Adebutu, Chief Nike Akande, Chief Maiden Ibru.

?Chief Goodie Ibru, Chief Wale Babalakin, governors of the six Southwest states, key traditional rulers in the Southwest and prominent Niger Delta leaders and groups in Southwest, among others,?? the committee said.

The statement further said Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, Chief Paxy Alakeme, High Chief John Odeyemi, Mrs Barong Uranta, Mr Olumide Ajayi and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, would serve as officials of the organising committee.

?While widow of the decease, will be the Chief Host,? it added. (NAN)

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