Uduaghan’s death shocking, great loss to Nigeria, Niger Delta – Akpabio
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, as shocking and a great loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
Akpabio said he received the news of Uduaghan’s demise with disbelief, noting that the former governor died at 71, just three days to his 72nd birthday.
In a condolence message through his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President described Uduaghan as a distinguished medical doctor, committed statesman, bridge-builder and detribalised Nigerian.
He said Uduaghan’s contributions to governance, democracy and national development would remain indelible.
Akpabio recalled that Uduaghan governed Delta State between 2007 and 2015, a period when he (Akpabio) was also governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He described the late former governor as a visionary leader whose administration recorded significant strides in infrastructure, healthcare delivery and human capital development.
“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 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,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President added that the Niger Delta had lost one of its illustrious sons and that his legacy of regional cooperation, peaceful coexistence and advancement of democratic governance would continue to inspire future leaders.
On behalf of the 10th Senate, Akpabio extended condolences to the widow, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, the children, the Uduaghan family, the government and people of Delta State, the Itsekiri nation and the entire Niger Delta.
Akpabio prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and for strength for his family and associates to bear the loss, according to a statement by EmemMaria Offiong, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Office of the Senate President.
