Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the death of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a “resourceful partner in governance.”
In a post on his official X account, Diri said he immediately cut short an official trip outside the state upon hearing the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing. He led a high-powered delegation to the deputy governor’s residence at the Government House, Yenagoa, to offer condolences to the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and the family.
“Following the sad news of the demise of my dear Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, I had to cut short my official trip outside the state to attend to the incident,” Diri wrote.
He added, “Last night, I led a delegation of top government officials to visit Her Excellency, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, the widow, and other family members at their official residence. I shared words of comfort and gave assurances from the government that we will stand with the family during this difficult time.”
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Gloria; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd); and other senior officials.
Diri recalled his close working relationship with Ewhrudjakpo, which began during the previous administration and deepened through their legal struggle at the Supreme Court that culminated in their joint assumption of office in 2020.
“In our almost six years in office, I saw in him a very resourceful partner committed to our collective aspiration for the development of Bayelsa State. He will be greatly missed,” the governor said.
While describing the death as unfortunate, Diri encouraged the family to take solace in God’s will and assured that the state government would assist with burial arrangements.
“Indeed, I am saddened by this unfortunate incident, but we must take solace in God that He allowed this to happen. Our government will interface with the family on the burial programmes to honour our departed faithful,” he added.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday at the Government House, Yenagoa, and was later pronounced dead at the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Governor Diri extended condolences to the widow, children, immediate family, the people of Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and all residents of Bayelsa State, praying for comfort for everyone affected.
“On behalf of my family and the Government of Bayelsa State, I extend my deepest condolences for this irreparable loss. May God comfort us all,” he concluded.
