By Adewumi Omoboade

President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. 

Also, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North senatorial district, Senator Orji Kalu; Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN; Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF; Senators Onovwakpo, Dafinone, OmoAgege, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought  and others have mourned Uduaghan.Meanwhile, the Delta State government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of  Uduaghan.

Meanwhile, the Delta State government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of  Uduaghan.

The directive was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.

As part of measures to honour the late former governor, the incumbent governor, Governor  Oborevwori has directed that all flags on public buildings across the state be flown at half-mast throughout the three-day mourning period.

Uduaghan died, yesterday, aged 71.

Uduaghan governed the state from 2007 to 2015. He had also served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and  Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.

President Tinubu in his condolence message, described Uduaghan as a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to the nation.He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Uduaghan, at 71.“Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation.

“At this difficult time, I urge the people of Delta State to draw strength from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across the political and social terrain of our country.

“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Roli; his children; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and friends and political associates whose lives he impacted. 

“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.”Governor Oborevwori, in condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.

He sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the painful loss.

Oborevwori, in the condolence message, recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the state. 

He described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta State.

Oborevwori said Uduaghan’s years in public service had left a good mark on the state, adding that his death was a loss to Delta and the country at large.

Senator Kalu, in a statement, yesterday,  said: “I received with great sadness the news of the passing of Dr. Uduaghan.

“His death is a painful loss to his family, the people of Delta State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu said.

He described Uduaghan as an accomplished medical doctor, experienced administrator and dedicated public servant, who devoted many years to serving the people of Delta State.

He noted that the late governor held several important positions in the state before becoming governor in 2007.

The 36 governors under the aegis of NGF  in a statement by its Director, Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa  Abdullahi said: “The Chairman of the NGF, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Dr. Uduaghan, who reportedly died at the age of 71 following a brief illness 

“The Forum acknowledges his years of public service and the responsibilities he undertook in leading Delta State. His passing is a moment of grief for his loved ones, associates and the wider community, as the state reflects on his life and contributions to public service.

“The NGF extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as all those who mourn his passing.”