Amanze Chinonye
Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, with former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and Governor Douye Diri reflecting on his loyalty, integrity and years of public service.
Dickson, who served as Ewhrudjakpor’s political mentor for decades, described the late deputy governor’s death as one of the most painful moments of his public life, saying he had lost a dependable and principled ally.
The former governor said he was alerted to Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency while preparing to take part in the screening of ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, forcing him to abandon the assignment to monitor developments.
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In a personal tribute, Dickson traced his long relationship with Ewhrudjakpor to the 1990s, noting that he guided him through several stages of public service, including his appointments as Personal Assistant, Senior Legislative Aide, Commissioner for Works, Senator representing Bayelsa West, and later Deputy Governor.
He said Ewhrudjakpor distinguished himself as Commissioner for Works for nearly eight years, overseeing major infrastructural projects across the state even during periods of economic recession. According to him, the late deputy governor consistently demonstrated loyalty, competence and selflessness, remaining steadfast in his principles even when faced with difficult political choices.
Dickson added that Ewhrudjakpor embodied a simple lifestyle with profound impact and adhered strictly to the creed of service to humanity above personal interest.
Meanwhile, Governor Douye Diri said he cut short an official engagement outside the state following the deputy governor’s death, describing the loss as devastating to both the government and people of Bayelsa State.
On Wednesday night, Diri led a delegation of top government officials to condole with the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpor, and other family members at their official residence in Government House, Yenagoa.
The delegation included the governor’s wife, Gloria Diri; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd); and other senior officials.
Governor Diri recalled his long working relationship with Ewhrudjakpor, particularly their joint political struggle that culminated in their assumption of office in 2020 following a Supreme Court judgment.
He described the late deputy governor as a committed and resourceful partner who shared the administration’s vision for the development of the state, assuring the family of the government’s full support.
The governor said the state government would work closely with the family on burial arrangements to ensure the late deputy governor is given a befitting farewell.
Ewhrudjakpor, a former Commissioner for Works and Senator representing Bayelsa West, is survived by his wife, children and extended family.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
