Omo-Agege, Ned Nwoko Mourn Ex-Delta Deputy Governor, Utuama

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday mourned the demise of former deputy governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, describing him as a defender of rule of law.
Similarly, the Senator representing Delta North District, Senator Ned Nwoko described the passage of Processor Utuama as monumental loss to Deltans.
The deceased, a Professor of Law in University of Lagos, was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Chief James Ibori’s administration.
Utuama, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was Deputy Governor of Delta State between 2007 and 2015 when Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was governor, passed at 77 years.
While reacting to his death, Senator Omo-Agege, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, described the deceased as a legal luminary that distinguished himself in fighting for the rule of law to prevail in all affairs of state and levels of government.
He 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 an 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”, Omo-Agege said.
He recalled the days when Chief Ibori initiated the legal battles that preceded the commencement of the payment of 13 percent derivation fund as enshrined in the Constitution adding that Prof. Utuama’s stature and expertise drove the legal process that gave victory to the Niger Delta states.
“Indeed, the Niger Delta, not just Delta State, has lost a great son. His legacy will never be forgotten and Nigeria was lucky to have had him in government at the time his calibre was desperately needed,” Omo-Agege stated.
He commiserated with the Urhobo nation, Delta State and the Niger Delta region on the death of the former deputy governor, in his tribute.
In his tribute, the Senator representing Delta North at the National Assembly, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, described the exit of the former deputy governor of Delta State as a monumental loss to Deltans.
He described the deceased as selfless in the service of the state as deputy governor under the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, between 2007-2015.
Senator Nwoko stated that the late Professor Utuama as a legal luminary, outstanding academic and proficient administrator, helped in stabilizing Delta on the path of peace, social cohesion and sustainable development.
His words: “Delta lost an illustrious son. The former deputy governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Professor Amos Utuama, would be remembered for his invaluable footprints in Nigeria’s law profession, education, democracy and governance. He was humble and respectful even in his towering status.
“I can attest that late Professor Utuama led exemplary life. He was elected Deputy Governor under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, but he was fair and just beyond boundaries.
”On behalf of my political supporters and the entire people of Delta North, Anioma, I extend heartfelt condolence to his immediate family and the people of Otu-jeremi Community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area for the loss of this statesman, scholar and role model.”