Bayelsa Governor Mourns Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Leads Condolence Visit to Family
The Bayelsa State Government has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, a development described by Governor Douye Diri as a devastating and irreplaceable loss to the state, PulseNets learnt.
The governor, according to information obtained by PulseNets, immediately suspended his official engagement outside Bayelsa upon receiving news of the deputy governor’s passing, returning to Yenagoa to personally manage issues arising from the tragedy.
On Sunday night, Governor Diri led a high-powered delegation of government officials to commiserate with the bereaved family at the official residence of the late deputy governor within Government House, Yenagoa. The delegation included his wife, Mrs. Gloria Diri; the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); alongside several senior government officials.
Addressing the family during the condolence visit, the governor explained the urgency of his return to the state, stating, “The moment I received confirmation of the passing of my deputy, I had no choice but to terminate my official trip and return home to confront this painful reality.”
Governor Diri assured the widow, Her Excellency Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other family members of the unwavering support of the state government. He said, “On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and our people, I want you to know that you are not alone. We will stand firmly with the family throughout this difficult period.”
Reflecting on his long-standing association with the late deputy governor, the governor noted that their relationship predated their current administration. He explained, “My bond with the late Deputy Governor began during the previous administration and was further cemented during our joint political struggles, including the legal battles that culminated in the Supreme Court judgment that brought us into office in 2020.”
Governor Diri described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a loyal, dependable, and highly committed partner in governance. According to him, “In nearly six years of working together, I found him to be an exceptionally resourceful and dedicated partner who shared our vision for the growth and development of Bayelsa State. His absence will be deeply felt.”
While acknowledging the profound sense of loss, the governor encouraged the family to draw strength from faith, adding, “This is a very painful moment for all of us, but we must find comfort in God, whose will remains supreme.”
PulseNets reported that Governor Diri also pledged that the state government would work closely with the family to ensure the late deputy governor receives a befitting burial. He stated, “The government will engage the family on the burial arrangements to ensure that our departed leader is honoured in a manner deserving of his service to Bayelsa State.”
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Extending his condolences beyond the immediate family, the governor sympathised with the people of Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and residents of the state at large. He said, “On behalf of my family and the Government of Bayelsa State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, the Ofoni people, His Excellency Senator Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans over this irreparable loss.”
Governor Diri concluded with a brief prayer for collective strength, saying, “May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this loss.”
