President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his condolences following the death of former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan at the age of 71, describing his passing as a significant loss to his family, Delta State and Nigeria.
Tinubu conveyed his sympathies in a statement issued by the State House on Monday, October 19, 2026. In the statement, the President paid tribute to Uduaghan’s years in public service, highlighting his contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria’s democratic process.
The President described the late politician as a public servant whose leadership focused on the progress of his state and the broader interests of the country.
“Dr Uduaghan was a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation,” Tinubu said.
Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former state leader whose political career included several senior government appointments before he became governor in 2007. He held the office for two consecutive terms, leaving government in 2015.
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Tinubu Pays Tribute to Uduaghan’s Public Service
In his condolence message, Tinubu acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to governance and development, noting that his years in public office were marked by efforts to improve the lives of Delta State residents.
The President highlighted initiatives undertaken during Uduaghan’s administration to strengthen infrastructure, improve healthcare delivery and promote the welfare of the state’s population.
Tinubu’s remarks recognised the former governor’s role in managing state affairs during his eight-year tenure and his place in Nigeria’s political history.
According to the President, Uduaghan’s commitment to public service extended beyond his time in office. He remained involved in Delta State’s political and socio-economic affairs after completing his tenure, continuing to contribute to discussions and activities connected to democratic governance.
“His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large,” Tinubu said.
The President’s statement reflected the broader significance of Uduaghan’s death, acknowledging the personal grief of his relatives alongside the loss felt by the community and state he once led.
Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Political Career and Years in Government
Before becoming governor, Uduaghan held two important positions in the Delta State Government, gaining experience in public administration and state-level governance.
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, before being appointed Secretary to the State Government, a position he occupied from 2003 to 2007.
In 2007, he became governor of Delta State, beginning an eight-year period in office. His administration ended in 2015 after he completed two terms.
During his tenure, his government pursued programmes and initiatives intended to address infrastructure needs, improve healthcare services and advance the welfare of residents.
These areas featured prominently in Tinubu’s tribute, which acknowledged the former governor’s efforts to support the development of Delta State.
Uduaghan’s political experience also placed him among the figures involved in Nigeria’s democratic governance at the state level. His career spanned several government responsibilities, from healthcare administration to coordinating the activities of the state government and leading the state as governor.
Former Governor Remained Active After Leaving Office
Tinubu also drew attention to Uduaghan’s activities after his departure from government in 2015.
According to the President, the former governor continued to participate in Delta State’s political and socio-economic affairs, maintaining an interest in the development of his community and the wider state.
His continued involvement highlighted the role former public officials can play in political and community affairs after completing their official responsibilities.
Tinubu urged the people of Delta State to find comfort in Uduaghan’s record of service and the relationships he established throughout his career.
The President encouraged residents to remember the former governor’s contributions and draw strength from the impact he had on people across different parts of Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
His message placed emphasis on remembrance, public service and the lasting connections formed during Uduaghan’s years in government and beyond.
Tinubu Sends Condolences to Uduaghan’s Wife, Children and Associates
Beyond acknowledging Uduaghan’s contributions to public life, Tinubu extended his condolences to the people closest to the late former governor.
On behalf of his family, the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, the President offered sympathies to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, his cousin and former Delta State Governor James Ibori, as well as his friends and political associates.
The message recognised the personal dimension of the loss and the grief facing those who shared family ties, friendships and professional relationships with the former governor.
Uduaghan’s political career brought him into contact with numerous public officials and associates, while his years in government connected him with communities and residents throughout Delta State.
Tinubu’s condolence message acknowledged these different relationships, extending the nation’s sympathies to those mourning his death.
The President concluded his tribute with a prayer for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and comfort for everyone affected by his passing.
“May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him,” Tinubu said.
A Loss for Delta State and Nigeria
Uduaghan’s death has prompted reflection on his years in public service, from his early appointments in the Delta State Government to his two terms as governor.
His career included responsibilities in healthcare administration, state government coordination and executive leadership. His administration also pursued initiatives focused on infrastructure, healthcare delivery and residents’ welfare, areas highlighted in the President’s tribute.
For his family, his death represents the loss of a husband, father and relative. For Delta State, it marks the passing of a former governor who led the state between 2007 and 2015. At the national level, Tinubu’s message acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to public service and democratic governance.
As condolences reach his family and associates, the President has urged the people of Delta State to remember his years of service and the relationships he built throughout his public life.
Tinubu’s tribute closes with a message of sympathy and a prayer for comfort for all those mourning the former governor, whose life and political career formed part of Delta State’s recent history.
