Bayelsa Governor Mourns Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo, Visits Widow

Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing it as a painful and irreparable loss to the state.

The governor, who cut short his official trip outside the state upon receiving the news, led a delegation of top government officials on a condolence visit to the widow, Her Excellency Mrs Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other family members at their official residence in Government House, Yenagoa.

Governor Diri was accompanied by his wife, Gloria Diri; the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), and other senior government officials.

During the visit, the governor offered words of comfort to the bereaved family and assured them of the full support of the Bayelsa State Government during this difficult period.

He recalled his close personal and political relationship with the late Deputy Governor, noting that their bond dated back to the immediate past administration and was further strengthened during their shared struggles before the Supreme Court judgment that brought them into office in 2020.

Governor Diri described Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable and resourceful partner, whose commitment to the collective vision for the development of Bayelsa State was unwavering.

“In our almost six years in office, I found in him a dedicated partner who was fully committed to the progress of our dear state,” the governor said, adding that his absence would be deeply felt.

While acknowledging the pain of the loss, Governor Diri urged the family and the people of the state to take solace in God, stating that the government would work closely with the family to plan burial arrangements that would suitably honour the late Deputy Governor.

On behalf of his family and the Bayelsa State Government, the governor extended his heartfelt condolences to Mrs Ewhrudjakpo, the children and immediate family, the people of Ofoni Federated Community, former Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all Bayelsans.

He prayed for divine comfort and strength for everyone affected by the tragic loss.

The Deputy Governor died on Thursday after he slumped in his office.