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Senate President describes the deaths of former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti as significant losses to Nigeria.
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Says Uduaghan contributed to infrastructure, healthcare and human capital development in Delta State.
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Hails Fasoranti’s century-long legacy of integrity, courage, democratic values and public service.
October 21, (THEWILL) – The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has mourned the deaths of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, describing them as significant losses to Nigeria and their respective communities.
Akpabio said Uduaghan’s death was shocking and a great loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta region, while Fasoranti’s passing marked the end of an era for the Yoruba nation and the country.
The Senate President, in separate condolence statements issued by his media aides, Jackson Udom and Hon. Eseme Eyiboh and made available to THEWILL in Uyo, paid tribute to the contributions of the two deceased statesmen to public service, democratic governance and national development.
Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71, was Delta State governor from 2007 to 2015. Akpabio noted that their tenures as governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states respectively provided an opportunity for them to serve their people during the same period.
“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”, Akpabio said.
He described the late former governor as a distinguished medical doctor and committed statesman who devoted his life to public service.
According to him, Uduaghan’s administration recorded significant progress in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and human capital development in Delta State.
Akpabio also described the deceased as a bridge-builder across the Niger Delta and Nigeria, noting that his detribalised disposition and contributions to democracy and national development would be sorely missed.
On behalf of the 10th Senate, he extended condolences to the Uduaghan family, particularly the deceased’s wife, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Delta State Government and people, the Itsekiri nation and the entire Niger Delta region.
The Senate President prayed for the peaceful repose of Uduaghan’s soul and strength for his family and the people of Delta State to bear the loss.
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In a separate statement, Akpabio also expressed profound sadness over the death of Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100, describing him as a patriotic elder statesman whose life exemplified integrity, courage, selflessness and commitment to public service.
He said the late Afenifere leader belonged to a generation of Nigerians whose contributions to political discourse, democratic governance and the pursuit of justice left an enduring mark on the country.
“Pa Reuben Fasoranti was one of those rare elder statesmen whose lives embodied the wisdom of experience and the strength of conviction. His passing is a painful loss, not only to his immediate family and the Yoruba people, but also to the entire Nigerian nation”, Akpabio said.
He added that Fasoranti’s legacy transcended ethnic and political boundaries, stressing that principled leadership, constructive engagement and respect for democratic ideals remained indispensable to national progress.
According to the Senate President, Fasoranti’s life demonstrated that true leadership should be measured by the values upheld, the people served and the positive impact made on society, rather than the positions occupied.
“Though he has departed, the principles he stood for and the example he set will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians”, Akpabio said.
Akpabio extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the leadership and members of Afenifere, the people of Akure, the Ondo State Government and the entire Yoruba nation.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the knowledge that Fasoranti lived a long and consequential life, leaving behind a legacy worthy of honour and emulation.
The Senate President prayed for comfort for both bereaved families and all those mourning the two statesmen, expressing hope that their contributions to public service and national development would remain a source of inspiration to Nigerians.
