By Emmanuel Olugua
Tributes poured in on Monday for former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71, with President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other prominent Nigerians mourning his passing.
President Tinubu described Uduaghan as a dedicated public servant whose leadership was devoted to the development of Delta State and service to Nigeria.
“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government, and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at 71,” Tinubu said.
The President recalled Uduaghan’s rise through public service as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and eventually governor, saying his two-term administration placed him at the centre of Delta’s political and developmental journey.
“During this period, he pursued developmental strides to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans,” Tinubu said.
He noted that Uduaghan remained active in Delta’s political and socio-economic affairs after leaving office in 2015 and described his death as a major loss to his family, Delta State and Nigeria.
Governor Oborevwori described his predecessor as a detribalised leader whose contributions to Delta’s development would not be forgotten.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor said Uduaghan looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of the state.
He extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.
Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in May 2007. He completed two terms in 2015.
The Christian Association of Nigeria also mourned Uduaghan, with its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, recalling the former governor’s commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and national unity.
“His commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and the preservation of national unity remains worthy of commendation,” Okoh said.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, through its Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Uduaghan’s death as a moment of grief for his family, associates and the people of Delta State.
The NGF said his tenure represented a significant chapter in the history of governance in Delta and acknowledged his contribution to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also mourned the former governor, describing him as a revered patriarch, father figure and elder statesman.
“His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment,” she said.
Uduaghan, a medical doctor, was one of the major figures in Delta State politics for more than two decades, serving at the highest levels of the state government before succeeding James Ibori as governor in 2007.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his wife, children, family, friends, and political associates.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn him,” the President said.
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