The 2027 governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing him as a statesman whose legacy would endure.
PUNCH Online reports that Uduaghan died after a brief illness at the age of 71.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday.
Iyovwaye, in a statement he signed and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, described Uduaghan as a respected elder brother with whom he shared a personal relationship built on mutual respect over the years.
The statement read, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, a respected elder brother, and someone with whom I shared a personal relationship with that’s built on mutual respect over the years.
“Dr. Uduaghan devoted many years of his life to public service, serving as Secretary to the State Government before becoming Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. His administration will be remembered for the Delta Beyond Oil initiatives.
“Beyond politics, he was a medical doctor, a leader, and a proud son of Delta State who dedicated a significant part of his life to serving our people.
“To me, he was more than a former governor. He was an elder brother whom I held in high regard. Our relationship went beyond political affiliations, and I will always cherish the moments we shared, our conversations, and the mutual respect that existed between us.
“While history will continue to assess his years in public office, his contributions to the development of Delta State will remain an important part of our state’s journey.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation, and the good people of Delta State. May Almighty God grant his family the strength to bear this painful loss and grant his soul eternal rest. Iyovwaye signed the statement as the NDC Governorship Candidate, Delta State 2027.”