Uduaghan, Ibori, Omo-Agege mourn former Delta Deputy Gov

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has opened up on the passing of Prof Amos Agbe Utuama, who served as Deputy Governor to him between 2007 and 2015.

Utuama died in Warri in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 77 after a protracted illness.

Uduaghan in a statement said Utuama was more than a deputy and that his death is more than a huge blow to him and his family.

“I am beyond saddened by the death of my Deputy and ally, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama. He was more than a deputy. He was my friend, adviser and elder brother. Your death is more than a huge blow to me, my family and our dear state,” Uduaghan wrote.

Also in his tribute, former Governor James Ibori has described the late Utuama as a humble, loyal aide who executed his duties with utmost professionalism during his lifetime.

“Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, my humble, loyal, and esteemed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. You were my steadfast legal foundation, executing your duties with unwavering commitment. If it were within my power to halt death, I would have done so for you. Farewell, dear Professor. May your pure soul rest in eternal peace,” Ibori stated.

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, while reacting to the death of the legal luminary said Prof. Utuama was one of the persons that headlined the emergence of a stable federation at the onset of the Fourth Republic.

“Having come into Chief Ibori’s government as a accomplished law teacher, Prof. Utuama was very instrumental in using his stature to instill a level of stability and respect for states at a time the Fourth Republic was still wobbling as a Federation where different political parties held sway in different states.