UDUAGHAN’S REMAINS ARRIVE IN DELTA AS LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE

The remains of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, arrived in the state on Tuesday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, political leaders and other public figures paid tribute to his contributions to the state and the country.

Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, joined members of the late governor’s family and other dignitaries to receive his remains at Osubi Airport in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

The governor and his wife later visited Uduaghan’s residence in Warri to commiserate with his widow, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, and other members of the family.

During the visit, Oborevwori described the deceased as his former boss, recalling the support he received from Uduaghan, who appointed him as a special adviser in 2007.

He also praised the former governor’s contributions to the development of Delta State, particularly the establishment of Asaba International Airport.

“He contributed immensely to the development of Delta State, most especially the Asaba International Airport. He was a man of few words. He was very articulate and calm. He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori said.

Uduaghan’s death was announced on Monday, October 19, by his son, Toju. He was 71 and would have turned 72 three days later.

The former governor served Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Before becoming governor, he served as commissioner for health and secretary to the state government under former Governor James Ibori.

Among those who have mourned him is Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), who recalled their relationship while they served as governors of Anambra and Delta states, respectively.

Obi described Uduaghan as an elder brother who treated him with warmth and respect. He also recalled their collaboration in advocating for the award of the contract for the Second Niger Bridge, which he said was important to national integration, commerce, and development in the South-East and South-South regions.

The former Anambra governor extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie, described the former governor’s death as a moment of collective grief, noting that his contributions to public service and Delta State’s development would continue to inspire future generations.

Ebie, in a statement issued through his media aide, Jerome-Mario Utomi, said Uduaghan’s life was closely connected to the aspirations and development of his people. He extended his condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Delta State on behalf of his family, the NDDC Governing Board, and its management.

Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki also described Uduaghan’s death as a painful loss to his family, Delta State, the South-South region and Nigeria’s political community.

Obaseki noted that Uduaghan, a medical doctor by training, brought a strong sense of service to public office. He recalled the former governor’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which sought to diversify the state’s economy, as well as his efforts to improve residents’ welfare and promote cooperation among South-South states.

The NDC governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, also mourned Uduaghan, describing him as an elder brother with whom he shared a relationship built on mutual respect.

Iyovwaye said the former governor’s administration would be remembered for the Delta Beyond Oil initiative and contributions to healthcare, education, infrastructure and human capital development. He extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, children, the wider family, the Itsekiri nation and the people of Delta State.

Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Chief Joseph Evah, described Uduaghan as a bridge-builder who promoted unity across the Niger Delta.

Evah recalled visiting the Ijaw Monitoring Group’s office in Lagos with Uduaghan in 2006, when the former governor was seeking the governorship. He said Uduaghan recognised the importance of the different ethnic groups represented in the Niger Delta Hall of Fame and their shared history of regional advocacy.

Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Peter Onwusanya, also expressed sadness over the former governor’s death, describing him as a leader who promoted peace, unity and development irrespective of ethnicity or political affiliation.

Former Nigerian envoy to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, described Uduaghan as a visionary statesman whose contributions to peacebuilding, human capital development and infrastructure would remain part of his legacy.

Djebah also recalled the former governor’s role in promoting peace and security in the Niger Delta, particularly during the region’s period of unrest.

Meanwhile, Dr Monday Agbeyi, chairman of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area, described Uduaghan’s death as a personal tragedy and a major loss to Delta State and Nigeria.

Agbeyi said the former governor had been a father, mentor, and confidant whose commitment to peace, unity, and human development would be remembered.

The tributes followed the Delta State Government’s declaration of three days of mourning in honour of the former governor, with flags on public buildings ordered to fly at half-mast.

Uduaghan’s eight-year administration remains associated with the Delta Beyond Oil initiative and projects in infrastructure, healthcare and education. His death has drawn condolences from political leaders and public figures across the Niger Delta and beyond.