–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): By Albert OGRAKA:

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh has described Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as a towering pillar and source of strength to many he has mentored.

Bashorun Askia said Chief E.K. Clark who is celebrating his 93 years birthday, is an avowed advocate of equal rights, defender of justice and fairness.

In a birthday message he personally signed, Bashorun Askia said: “It is with a heart full of pride and thankfulness to God almighty that I celebrate you on your 93rd birthday. We give Him all the glory for giving you a very robust good health and the wisdom that have guided you all these very fruitful years.

“Gogorogo, you are very deep, so when you call to the deep, the deep quivers. The very reason those of us who are your political children are never tired of drinking from your very deep well of knowledge and political sagacity.

“Your towering presence in the affairs of the nation, especially those concerning our dear Niger Delta, has been a source of strength to all those you have faithfully mentored.

“You are an Elder statesman and nationalist who have variously deprived yourself the comfort you can afford for the sake of humanity, which has endeared to the hearts of all who have been fortunate to cross your path.

“Papa, as you celebrate this day, I join all your well wishers to pray to the Almighty God to continue to shower you with his blessings, give you continuous good health and to guard and guide you always.”