President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family over the passing of renowned writer and Emeritus Professor of Literature, Prof. John Pepper Clark.
President Buhari, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, paid tribute to the deceased who remained one of Nigeria’s finest poets, dramatists and recipients of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for literary excellence.
The President said his repertoire of published works depicted the hard work of a great man, devoted to a lifetime of writing, knowledge and promotion of the indigenous culture of the Ijaw nation.
He also acknowledged that Prof. J.P. Clark’s exit had left an indelible mark in the literary world.
President Buhari, however, took solace that his body of literary works, which earned him recognition and respect both at home and abroad, would continue to inspire upcoming Nigerian writers to pursue literary excellence and flourish in their chosen vocation.
The President said his thoughts and prayers are with the family of the departed patriot, the government and people of Delta State and the literary community in the country.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul departed.
