Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, could not hide his emotions as the reality of the death of Mrs. Ngozi Ebonka, wife of the first civilian deputy governor of the state, Evangelist Simeon Ebonka, dawned on him. The governor was visibly grieved when he paid a condolence visit to the husband at their Boji-Boji Owa home on Monday.

The late Mrs. Ebonka who passed away on Friday was the Special Adviser to Governor Uduaghan in charge of Delta’s Abuja Office.

Uduaghan was accompanied on the visit by top government officials, including immediate past deputy governor, Chief Benjamin Elue. He described the late Mrs. Ebonka as “a dear friend, my deep loyalist and wife of a dear friend.”

Governor Uduaghan in an emotion-laden voice said: “We are short of words. Since last Friday night, it has been like a dream … God knows best.”

He observed that the late Mrs. Ebonka was not just his Special Adviser but also a member of his immediate family, informing that his entire family has been thrown into mourning since the news of her death broke out.

According to Dr Uduaghan, “Though it is so painful, devastating, we cannot question God’s decision. She was not just a Special Adviser to me, she was part of my family.”

Governor Uduaghan noted that with her sudden demise the former deputy governor has not just lost a wife but a part of his life as “she was part of your strength in all your activities. In all your travails she was there for you.”

He prayed that God should give the former deputy governor the strength to bear the loss, asserting: “It is a big loss to all of us and we are also praying that God will give us the strength to bear the loss.”

The governor also signed the condolence register, writing: “Adieu, my sister and daughter, your death is very painful.”

Evangelist Ebonka in his response thanked the governor for the show of love and prayed for him and members of the state executive council that God would see them through in their endeavours.

Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, wrote in the condolence register: “My sister and friend, you fought a tough battle, may your soul rest in peace.”

On his part, Mr. Charles Emetulu, the Commissioner for Power and Energy, wrote: “I am short of words. Rest in God’s bosom my sister” while the Commissioner, Directorate of Infrastructure in the state, Mrs. Orezi Esievo wrote: “Sweetheart, you are a bright star, a light that radiated wherever you entered, God knows the best.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Labour Relations, Comrade Mike Okeme wrote: “What a dark day to us all you cared for and loved. May your dear soul rest with our maker.”

•Photo shows Governor Uduaghan.