President Bola Tinubu has described the death of former Delta governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, at 71 as a great loss to the state and Nigeria, paying tribute to his years of dedicated public service.

Mr Tinubu expressed condolences to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state over the former governor’s death.

This is contained in a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.

“Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta’s development and service to our nation,” the president said.

Mr Uduaghan served as commissioner for health and secretary to the Delta State Government before being elected governor in 2007.

His two-term tenure ended in 2015, during which he pursued initiatives to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery and the welfare of Delta people.

After leaving office, Mr Uduaghan remained active in Delta State’s political and socio-economic affairs, contributing to democratic governance and public service in Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu urged the people of Delta to draw strength from Mr Uduaghan’s years of service and the enduring relationships he built across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

“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,” Mr Tinubu said. 

(NAN)