By Adamu Yusuf
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, as shocking and a great loss to Nigeria and the entire Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said he received the news of Uduaghan’s death with profound shock and disbelief.
He noted that the former governor died at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
Akpabio recalled that Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, during the same period he served as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
He described the deceased as a distinguished medical doctor and committed statesman who devoted his life to public service.
He said Uduaghan’s tenure as governor marked a significant period in the infrastructural development of Delta State, particularly in healthcare delivery and human capital development.
Akpabio also described him as a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta and Nigeria, a detribalised leader and a respected elder whose contributions to democracy and national development would be sorely missed.
On behalf of the 10th Senate, Akpabio extended condolences to the Uduaghan family, his wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Delta State Government and people, the Itsekiri nation and the entire Niger Delta region.
Editing by Khadija Kubau