The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has mourned former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as an elder brother with whom he shared a cordial relationship during their years in public service.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, expressed his grief in a condolence message published on his X handle on Tuesday, recalling their collaboration in advocating for the award of the contract for the Second Niger Bridge.
He described Uduaghan as a respected leader who treated him with warmth and brotherly affection despite their different political backgrounds.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my very dear elder brother, His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State. In my interactions with him, he treated me like his junior brother,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor recalled that their relationship during their respective tenures was marked by cooperation, particularly in their collective efforts to secure the Second Niger Bridge project.
According to him, both leaders recognised the strategic importance of the bridge to national integration, economic activities and improved connectivity between the South-East and South-South regions.
He noted that their advocacy eventually yielded results, with the completion of the bridge serving as a testament to the importance of cooperation among public officeholders in pursuing projects of national significance.
“I recall with fondness the cordial working relationship I enjoyed with him during our time in public service. We worked together as brothers in the collective effort to promote and advocate for the award of the contract for the Second Niger Bridge, recognising its importance to national integration, commerce, and the development of the South-East and South-South,” he said.
Obi expressed satisfaction that the collective efforts eventually contributed to the realisation of the project, describing the bridge as a symbol of what purposeful collaboration could achieve in national development.
He said Uduaghan’s death was a significant loss not only to his immediate family and the people of Delta State but also to Nigeria as a whole.
The NDC presidential candidate extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state, while praying for God to grant the former governor eternal rest and comfort those grieving his demise.
