Senate President Godswill Akpabio has led the 10th Senate in mourning former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his death as a major loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.
Uduaghan died at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday, according to a condolence statement issued by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, the same period Uduaghan served as Delta State governor, said the late politician made significant contributions to governance, infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and human capital development.
He described Uduaghan as a medical doctor, statesman and bridge-builder whose commitment to public service and national development would be greatly missed.
“Dr Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State from 2007-2015, when I also had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as their governor,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said the former governor earned respect for his ability to build relationships across ethnic and regional divides, adding that his influence extended beyond Delta State.
“He was a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. He was a detribalised leader and a respected elder whose contributions to democracy and national development will be sorely missed,” he said.
Akpabio noted that Uduaghan’s administration recorded contributions to infrastructure development in Delta State while also focusing on healthcare and the development of human resources.
On behalf of the 10th Senate, he extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, his children and other members of the family.
He also commiserated with the Delta State Government, the people of the state, the Itsekiri nation and the wider Niger Delta region over the loss.
The Senate President prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to grant his family and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.
Uduaghan’s death has renewed tributes to his years in public service, particularly his tenure as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
