The National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has paid a condolence visit to Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, widow of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing the late leader as a peace builder whose legacy will endure.
Mulade, accompanied by leaders and stakeholders, visited the bereaved family in Warri to identify with them following the death of the former governor, who led Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
He said Uduaghan governed during a difficult period marked by conflicts and security concerns, but used his leadership experience to reduce tensions and promote stability across the state.
“Our leader, our father, our former governor governed Delta State at a very difficult time. Delta State faced a lot of challenges, but he was able to use his experience in leadership to surmount all the conflicts that were engulfing the entire state,” Mulade said.
The CEPEJ coordinator said the late governor earned the respect of Deltans through his conflict-management efforts and his commitment to peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.
He described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader who related with people across ethnic lines and saw himself as a father to all, irrespective of background.
Mulade also highlighted the former governor’s Three-Point Agenda of Peace and Security, Human Capital Development, and Infrastructural Development, saying it reflected his priorities during his eight years in office.
According to him, Uduaghan’s emphasis on peace, security and development laid a foundation that subsequent administrations, including the present government, could build upon.
Mulade assured the widow and children that the late governor’s family would not be abandoned during the mourning period.
“Even if our leader and father has gone, we will not abandon the family. During the burial, we will participate fully to ensure that he is given a befitting burial as a former leader of this state,” Mulade assured. He urged the family to draw strength from Uduaghan’s service to Delta State and the relationships he built during his lifetime.
Mulade prayed for God to grant the widow, children and other family members the strength to bear the loss, while granting the former governor eternal rest.
The visit, according to CEPEJ, was part of efforts to show solidarity with the Uduaghan family and honour the memory of a former state leader whose contributions remain significant in Delta’s political and governance history.