The Governor of Bayelsa State, 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 shared via his X.com page, Diri disclosed that he cut short an official trip outside the state following news of the incident and led a high-powered delegation to the official residence of the deceased at the Government House, Yenagoa, to commiserate with the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other family members.
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Gloria; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd); and other top government officials.
He wrote, “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.
“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 at the Government House, Yenagoa.”
During the condolence visit, Diri assured the bereaved family of the state government’s unwavering support during the difficult period.
“Accompanied by my 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 others, I shared with everyone present words of comfort and gave assurances from the government that we will stand with the family at this time,” he stated.
The governor recalled his close relationship with the late deputy governor, which began during the immediate past administration and deepened during their legal battle at the Supreme Court that culminated in their assumption of office in 2020.
“I reminded the wife and the family of my close relationship with the late deputy governor since our paths crossed under the immediate past administration and particularly, our time together in the trenches before the Supreme Court declaration that brought us to office in 2020.
“In our almost six years in office, I saw in him a very resourceful partner who was committed to our collective aspiration for the development of our dear state. He will be greatly missed,” Diri said.
While noting that the incident was unfortunate, the governor urged the family to take solace in God’s will.
He added that the state government would work with the family on burial arrangements to honour the departed deputy governor.
“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 stated.
Diri extended his condolences to the widow, children, immediate family, the people of Ofoni Federated community, former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the entire people of Bayelsa State.
