Akpabio mourns ex-Delta Governor Uduaghan, describes death as national loss

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.

Akpabio said Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71, was a distinguished medical doctor, statesman and bridge-builder whose contributions to governance, infrastructure and healthcare development would be greatly missed.

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate president expressed disbelief over the former governor’s death, which occurred just three days before his 72nd birthday.

“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,” Akpabio said.

Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, a period during which Akpabio also served as governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Reflecting on their years in office, Akpabio described the late politician as a committed public servant who devoted his life to the service of his people and the country.

He noted that Uduaghan’s administration recorded significant developments in infrastructure, while prioritising healthcare delivery and human capital development.

“His tenure as the state Governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was a committed leader to the healthcare delivery and human capital development of his people,” the Senate president said.

Akpabio also highlighted the former governor’s ability to build relationships across ethnic and political divides, describing him as a detribalised leader and respected elder whose influence extended beyond Delta State.

According to him, Uduaghan’s contributions to democracy and national development would remain an important part of his legacy.

The Senate president extended condolences to the Uduaghan family, his wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, their children, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.

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He also commiserated with the Itsekiri nation and the wider Niger Delta region over the loss of the former governor.

“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,” he said.

Akpabio prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.

“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,” he added.

Uduaghan’s death has prompted tributes highlighting his years in public service and his contributions to governance and development in Delta State and the Niger Delta region.