The Nigerian Deputy Governors’ Forum has commiserated with Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Ewhrudjakpo family over the demise of the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The condolence visit was led by the Chairman of the Forum and Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai. He was accompanied by the Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode; Delta State, Monday Onyeme; Edo State, Dr. Dennis Idahosa; Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila; Imo State, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru; and Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The Forum noted that the late Ewhrudjakpo served Bayelsa State with affection and dedication as a senator, deputy governor, and community leader. It described him as a committed public servant who loved his job and discharged his duties with intellectual depth, maintaining an excellent working relationship with his principal.
Speaking during the visit, Ossai described Ewhrudjakpo as a gentleman with a problem-solving approach to governance, calm in disposition and always ready with advice drawn from his age and experience as a former senator.
“We came to share in this difficult moment with the people of Bayelsa and to assure His Excellency that we stand with him in this trying period. You can count on our support, encouragement, and, above all, our prayers for the repose of the beautiful soul of our brother, Lawrence,” he said.
The Forum also announced a donation of ₦50 million to support the Ewhrudjakpo family and the burial of their former colleague. Members of the Forum further paid a condolence visit to his wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
In his remarks, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, described the sudden passing of Ewhrudjakpo as unfortunate, noting that life is often filled with inexplicable events.
Dr. Maduka, who recounted his personal experiences with loss, said the death of loved ones had deeply affected him at different stages of his life.
“Death can occur at any time. I lost my father at the tender age of four, my mother in my thirties, and later in life, my wife. These experiences were devastating. I pray that God grants you courage and the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a painful moment in the history of Bayelsa State. He said the visit was to express condolences and convey the deep sense of loss felt by the entire Ijaw nation.
According to him, Ewhrudjakpo was noble, industrious, and principled, whose contributions to the state were invaluable.
“It is with great grief that we condole with the governor, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the entire state over the loss of this noble man who served to the best of his ability. He left a huge vacuum in government that will be difficult to fill, especially in achieving the mandate of this administration’s second term,” Lokpobiri stated.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri urged the people of the state to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, humility, and dedicated service in whatever positions they occupy.
He said his late deputy utilised every public office he held to serve Bayelsa State and Nigeria diligently, describing his death as a profound loss to the state and his Ofoni community.
“From the beginning, I advised everyone to depoliticise the death of the deputy governor. Death is a natural occurrence and could happen to anyone. Let nobody associate his passing with defection or non-defection. That narrative should end.
“It is painful that we now speak of Ewhrudjakpo, who was once very active, in the past tense. Life is fleeting, and death gives no notice. Whatever office we hold is in trust for the people.
“We have set up a funeral committee comprising government officials, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and his church. Very soon, a funeral programme will be announced, and he will be given a befitting state burial,” the governor said.
