President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, as a “shocking” and “great loss” to Nigeria and the entire Niger Delta region.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died at 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
Akpabio, in a condolence statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, on Monday, said Uduaghan’s death had robbed Nigeria of a distinguished medical doctor, statesman and bridge-builder.
The Senate President, who was also governor of Akwa Ibom State during Uduaghan’s tenure, recalled their years in office, describing the late governor as a committed leader whose administration made significant contributions to infrastructure, healthcare and human capital development in Delta State.
Akpabio said, “I received with profound shock and disbelief the news of the transition of Dr Uduaghan at the age of 71, just three days to his 72nd birthday.
“Dr Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, when I also had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as governor. He was a distinguished medical doctor and a committed statesman who devoted his life to public service.
“His tenure as governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was committed to healthcare delivery and human capital development.
“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.”
The Senate President extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and people, the Itsekiri nation and the wider Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the larger Uduaghan family, his wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, the children, the people and Government of Delta State, and the Itsekiri nation and indeed the entire Niger Delta on the passing of their illustrious son and former Governor of Delta State.
“May Almighty God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant his family and the people of Delta State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Akpabio said.