The Chairman of the National Assembly and President of the Senate, Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has expressed profound shock and sadness over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a great loss to Nigeria, the Niger Delta region and the political landscape of the country.
Dr. Akpabio, in a condolence message issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, described the late former Governor as a distinguished medical doctor, committed statesman, bridge-builder and detribalised Nigerian whose contributions to governance, democracy and national development would remain indelible.
The Senate President said he received the news of Uduaghan’s demise with disbelief, particularly as the former Governor passed away at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
“I received with profound shock and disbelief the news of the transition of Dr. Uduaghan at the age of 71, just three days to his 72nd birthday,” he stated.
Recalling their years of service as governors, Dr. Akpabio noted that Uduaghan governed Delta State between 2007 and 2015, a period during which he also had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State.
The Distinguished Senate Leader described the late Governor as a visionary leader whose administration recorded significant strides in infrastructure, healthcare delivery and human capital development.
According to Dr. Akpabio, Uduaghan’s commitment to improving the welfare of his people, coupled with his ability to foster unity and cooperation across political and ethnic divides, distinguished him as a respected statesman and an influential voice in the Niger Delta.
“His tenure as the State Governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was a committed leader to the healthcare delivery and human capital development of his people.
“He was a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta region 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,” he said.
The Senate President further noted that the late Uduaghan’s legacy transcended his years in public office, stressing that his contributions to regional cooperation, peaceful coexistence and the advancement of democratic governance would continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
He maintained that the Niger Delta had lost one of its illustrious sons, whose experience, leadership and commitment to the development of the region would be greatly missed.
On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Akpabio extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, particularly the widow, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, and the children, as well as the Government and people of Delta State, the Itsekiri nation and the entire Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend our deepest condolences to the larger Uduaghan family, his wife, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan, the children, the people and Government of Delta State, and the Itsekiri nation and indeed the entire Niger Delta on the passing of their illustrious son and former Governor of Delta State,” he stated.
The Distinguished Senate President prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed statesman’s soul and divine strength for his family, friends, political associates and the people of Delta State to bear the painful loss.
“May Almighty God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant his family and the people of Delta State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Akpabio prayed.
EmemMaria Ntedodom Offiong, nipr
Deputy Director (Head: Information, Press and Public Relations)
+2347082203400
Emy.offiong@fmino.gov.ng
20th October, 2026.
