By Douglas Mojaye
The family of elder statesman and patriarch of the Chief Clark Fuludu Bekederemo (JP) of Kiagbodo in Burutu Council Area of Delta State, Chief Edwin Clark, has formally announced the death of major General Henry Udumebraye Clark (rtd).
NIGER DELTA TODAY had broken the news of the death of the former military (army) secretary last Thursday (October 15).
The late general was a younger brother of elder statesman and convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Clark and popularly poet and playwright, Prof JP Clark.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by the Prof Christopher College Clark and Brayen Clark said the confirmed the deceased passed on Thursday afternoon in his home in Enerhen near Warri.
A copy of the statement made available to NIGER DELTA TODAY said the retired general was two days short of his 71th birthday anniversary.
The deceased had an excellent career in the military which saw him bagging several honours and awards including the Forces Service Staff (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Member of Federal Republic (MFR).
The statement read, “On behalf of the patriarch of the family of Chief Clark Fuludu Bekederemo (JP), of Kiagbodo town in Burutu Local Government Area, Chief E.K.Clark OFR, CON, with deep sorrow ,but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing on of our beloved brother, Father, uncle, grandfather.
“Major General Henry Udumebraye Clark (Rtd) who died suddenly at his residence in Warri on 15th October 2019. He was two days short of his 71st birthday. He was married with children and grand children.
“A younger brother of Chief (Dr) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Major General Clark had a distinguished military career in the Nigerian army and received several honours and awards including the Forces Service Staff (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Member of Federal Republic (MFR).
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“An outstanding officer and scholar, he was a graduate of several universities including Nigerian Defence Academy, University of Kansas, USA, awarded Bachelor of Arts (BA) Political Science, 1983, University of Oklahoma, awarded Master of Public Administration 1984, University of Oklahoma, USA, Doctorate Course Work, 1985, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Master of Science (MSc), Strategic Studies, 1995, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), Public Administration, 2000.”
The statement added that the retired military titan held variety of commands including staff and instructorship appointment in the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Armed Forces establishments.
Among the positions were “academic registrar Nigerian Defence Academy, Director of Operations Defence Headquarters where he supervised the operations in ECOMOG, UNAMSIL, BAKASSI, Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Military Secretary, Army, and, his last appointment was as Commandant (Head) Infantry Corps Centre and School, Jaji.
The statement added that funeral arrangement will be announced later.
