Tinubu, Oborevwori, Kalu, Others Mourn Former Delta Governor Uduaghan

President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Orji Kalu and other prominent Nigerians have mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71.

The former governor’s death has drawn tributes from political leaders, religious organisations, traditional stakeholders and associates who praised his contributions to public service, infrastructure development and peace in the Niger Delta.

Among those who expressed condolences were the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Ede Dafinone and Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as Itsekiri Leaders of Thought and Niger Delta stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, announced the decision in a statement. Oborevwori also directed that flags on public buildings across the state be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Uduaghan governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.

Tinubu describes Uduaghan as dedicated public servant

President Tinubu expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, describing him as a public servant committed to the development of Delta State and the progress of Nigeria.

In his condolence message, the President extended sympathies to the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, cousin and former Delta governor James Ibori, as well as his friends and political associates.

Tinubu urged the people of Delta State to draw strength from Uduaghan’s years of service and the relationships he built throughout his political career.

He also prayed for the repose of the former governor’s soul and comfort for his family and other mourners.

Oborevwori, Kalu pay tribute to former governor

Governor Oborevwori described Uduaghan as an inclusive leader whose contributions to Delta State would remain significant.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor highlighted the former governor’s role in infrastructure development and his efforts to promote cooperation across ethnic groups.

Oborevwori also sympathised with Uduaghan’s wife, children, the Itsekiri nation and residents of Delta State.

Similarly, Senator Orji Kalu described the late politician as an accomplished medical doctor, experienced administrator and committed public servant.

Kalu noted that Uduaghan had held several important positions in the state before becoming governor in 2007. He said his death was a painful loss to his family, Delta State and Nigeria.

Governors’ Forum, CAN express condolences

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also mourned Uduaghan, acknowledging his years of public service and leadership of Delta State.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, the forum conveyed condolences on behalf of its members and chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The forum extended its sympathies to the former governor’s family, friends and all those affected by his death.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed sadness over the loss.

CAN praised Uduaghan’s reported commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and national unity, describing these values as important contributions to public service and nation-building.

Senators recall Uduaghan’s leadership

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas described Uduaghan as his political father, crediting the former governor with helping to shape his public service career.

Thomas recalled that Uduaghan appointed him chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area after the 2007 elections. In 2009, he was appointed the first chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue.

He said the former governor’s confidence and support had played a defining role in his career.

Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central, described Uduaghan as a distinguished statesman. He praised his leadership, infrastructure initiatives and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic communities.

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege also paid tribute to the late governor, recalling their time together in the administration of former governor James Ibori.

Omo-Agege described Uduaghan as calm during difficult situations, humane and loyal. He said the former governor brought compassion to his responsibilities in government.

Niger Delta stakeholders remember Uduaghan’s role in peace efforts

Beyond the political sphere, several Niger Delta stakeholders acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to peace and dialogue in the region.

Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, expressed sadness over the former governor’s death.

According to a statement issued by his media consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo recalled Uduaghan’s role during the period of militancy in the Niger Delta.

He also highlighted the former governor’s support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance arrangements introduced during the administrations of former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

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Former Delta State Commissioner for Information Chike Ogeah also praised Uduaghan’s approach to governance, saying his policies and programmes focused on improving the living conditions of residents.

Similarly, Zik Gbemre, coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, recalled the former governor’s willingness to engage with critics.

Gbemre said Uduaghan preferred dialogue to confrontation and remained open to criticism of his administration. He cited instances in which the former governor contacted him directly to discuss concerns raised in newspaper articles.

Itsekiri leaders highlight Uduaghan’s legacy

The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought expressed sadness over Uduaghan’s death, noting that his administration contributed to the development of Delta State.

The group’s secretary, Sunny Mene, urged political leaders to learn from the cooperation and understanding that helped Uduaghan emerge as governor despite belonging to a minority ethnic group in the state.

The organisation said his leadership offered lessons on political inclusion and collaboration.

Uduaghan’s death has prompted tributes from across Nigeria, with political leaders, colleagues and community stakeholders remembering his years in government and his contributions to Delta State.

The state government’s three-day mourning period will provide an official opportunity to honour the former governor’s service and legacy.