Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has mourned the death of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a trusted friend, dependable partner and loyal ally whose relationship with him went beyond that of a principal and subordinate.
Governor Diri stated this on Friday night during a condolence visit to the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa. He led a delegation of state lawmakers and top government officials to commiserate with Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Mrs Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other family members.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Diri said he was deeply shocked by the sudden death of his deputy on December 11, noting that they shared a long and cordial working relationship that spanned two administrations in the state.
“We came a long way from the government of my predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson. We worked together for eight years, and in our own administration, we have been together for almost six years,” the governor said.
He praised Ewhrudjakpo’s dedication, describing him as loyal, resourceful and hardworking. “Our relationship was not that of a boss and subordinate but that of brothers and friends, even though I remained his principal,” Diri added.
The governor highlighted Ewhrudjakpo’s versatility as a lawyer and public health advocate, noting his leadership of the state’s primary healthcare committee. He revealed that the state coincidentally received a primary healthcare award in Abuja on the same day of the condolence visit.
Describing the late deputy as an upright man who stood firmly for justice, Diri said his death was a painful loss not only to the government but to the entire state. He urged the family and the Ofoni community to find comfort in the achievements Ewhrudjakpo recorded during his lifetime.
Diri assured the family of continued government support, including the full sponsorship of the children’s education and the retention of Ewhrudjakpo’s aides in government service. He also pledged that the late deputy governor, who died while in office, would be accorded a befitting state burial.
Responding on behalf of the family, former Commissioner for Education and ex-member of the State House of Assembly, Dr Oyovwhi Osusu, thanked the governor and the state government for their support, describing the loss as shocking but submitting to the will of God.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Dr Gloria Diri; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere; House Leader, Monday Obolo-Bubou; and other lawmakers.
Also present were the immediate past deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); Chief of Staff, Dr Peter Akpe; Deputy Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo; members of the state executive council; President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba; and chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party, Solomon Agwana, among others.
