President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing it as a great loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region.

Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died at 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.

In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said the former governor was a distinguished medical doctor and statesman who devoted his life to public service.

Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom State during part of Uduaghan’s tenure, said the former governor made significant contributions to Delta State’s infrastructure, healthcare delivery and human capital development.

He said, “I received with profound shock and disbelief the news of the transition of Dr Uduaghan at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.

“Dr Uduaghan was the governor of Delta State from 2007- 2015, when I also had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of Akwa Ibom State as their governor. He was a distinguished medical doctor and a committed statesman who devoted his life to public office.

“His tenure as the state Governor marked a very significant moment in the infrastructural development of the state. He was a committed leader in healthcare delivery and human capital development for his people. He was a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.”

The Senate President extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children and other family members, as well as the Delta State Government, the Itsekiri nation and the wider Niger Delta region.

“On behalf of the 10th Senate, 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.

“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”, the statement said.