THE mourning of former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, continued as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori received his remains on Tuesday, October 20, at Osubi Airport and later visited his family to offer condolences at his residence.
Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19 at the age of 71.
Oborevwori, accompanied by his wife, Tobore, and top government functionaries, joined the Uduaghan family members and other dignitaries, including his daughter, Orode, and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to receive the remains.
During a visit later to the deceased’s widow, Roli, and other family members, Oborevwori described the late former governor as a great leader whose contributions to the development of the state would remain indelible.
The governor said the large number of people who gathered to receive his remains and commiserate with his family was a reflection of the impact he had made on many lives, recalling his relationship with the deceased, referring to him as his former boss who played a significant role in his political journey.
Oborevwori stated: “He was my boss. He gave me the highest political appointment, Special Adviser, in 2007. That is something that really touches my heart.
“You are all aware that he supported me throughout this journey,”
He described Uduaghan as a calm, articulate and thoughtful leader who made significant contributions to the state’s development, particularly commending him for building the Asaba International Airport, which is one of his enduring legacies and an important asset to the state.
The governor said Uduaghan’s decision to execute development projects beyond narrow ethnic considerations demonstrated his commitment to the overall progress of the state, noting that his administration would continue to recognise and preserve worthy projects inherited from previous administrations, while making necessary improvements, including the ongoing modification of the Effurun Roundabout Flyover.
“He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori stressed.
The governor has earlier signed the condolence register, saying: “I am saddened by the demise of the former governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. He was a great boss.
“I commiserate with his beloved wife, children, family members and Deltans over this great loss.
“May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Your impact in Delta can never be forgotten. Asamaigor, RIP.”
On his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he received the news with sadness.
“Nigeria has lost a fine gentleman, a dedicated medical professional, and a consummate statesman whose steady hands guided Delta State through critical periods of socio-political development.
“I fondly remember my close interactions with Emmanuel during my tenure as President, when he served with distinction under James Ibori, first as commissioner for Health and later as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“Even during those turbulent political eras and the intense regional agitations in the Niger Delta, Emmanuel stood out as a brilliant administrator and a calm voice of reason.
“Whether we were interfacing on critical healthcare policies or navigating complex federal-state dynamics, his administrative acumen and loyalty to the peace and progress of Delta State were always evident.
“It was during those intense years of engagement that I grew to respect his intellect and problem-solving capacity, traits that prepared him seamlessly for the higher calling of leadership when he assumed office as Executive Governor in 2007,” Obasanjo said in a press statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Also President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, expressed shock over his death of, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.
Akpabio, in a condolence statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, said the former governor was a distinguished medical doctor and statesman who devoted his life to public service.
The statement read: “I received with profound shock and disbelief the news of the transition of Dr. Uduaghan at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
“Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State from 2007- 2015, when I also had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as their governor. He was a distinguished medical doctor and a committed statesman who devoted his life to public office.
“His tenure as the state governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was a committed leader in healthcare delivery and human capital development for his people. He was a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.”
Akpabio commiserated Uduaghan’s wife, children and other family members, Delta State Government, Itsekiri nation and the wider Niger Delta region.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi; Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie; and former Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to public service and development of Delta State.
Obi recalled the cordial relationship he shared with Uduaghan when they served as governors of their respective states at a time, saying he treated him like a younger brother.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear elder brother, Uduaghan. In my interactions with him, he treated me like his junior brother.”
Obi recalled their collaboration in advocating the award of the contract for the Second Niger Bridge, which he described as important to national integration, commerce and the development of the Southeast and South-South.
Ebie, in a statement by his media aide, Jerome-Mario Utomi, described Uduaghan’s death as a moment of collective grief, saying his contributions to public life would continue to inspire future generations.
He noted: “Beyond the offices he occupied and the political milestones he recorded, Uduaghan was a son of Delta whose life was intertwined with the aspirations, challenges and development journeys of his people.”
Obaseki described his death as a painful loss to Delta State, the South-South region and Nigeria’s political community, noting that Uduaghan brought a deep sense of service to public life and pursued a vision of a Delta beyond oil during his tenure as governor.
Obaseki said the former governor invested in the welfare of the people and promoted regional cooperation among South-South states, and his contributions to Delta State and the relationships he built would endure as part of his legacy.
