Makinde, Seriake Dickson mourn late Bayelsa deputy governor

OYO State governor, Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, have expressed profound grief over the sudden death of the Bayelsa State deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.  

Governor Makinde described the death of Ewhrudjakpo as a deeply painful loss to the state and to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a condolence message, Governor Makinde commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Bayelsa State government, the people of the state and the PDP nationwide.

He prayed for the repose of Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s soul, describing him as a loyal party stalwart and a courageous democrat who served with dedication and integrity.

The governor said: “I received the news of the passing of our brother and deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday.

“His death is painful and a sad loss to the state he served with unwavering commitment and to us in the PDP, where he stood out as a faithful party man who placed loyalty and democratic values above personal interest.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and good people of Bayelsa State. I pray that God grants repose to his soul and gives his loved ones and the entire state the strength to bear this heavy loss.

“Good night, courageous democrat.”

Similarly, former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, described the loss as one of the saddest events of his life.

In a statement on Thursday, Dickson recalled receiving news of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency while preparing to attend the screening of ambassadorial nominees as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“I spoke with his aides and doctors, then left abruptly to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed,” he said.

Dickson described Ewhrudjakpor as a “selfless, dedicated, honest, and loyal public servant” and a “principled mentee” who had been committed to public service.

He said the late deputy governor combined competence, intellect, loyalty, and selflessness, noting that he had “exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact.”

The former governor recounted how he mentored Ewhrudjakpor from the ’90s, supporting his rise from union activist to senior legislative aide, commissioner for works, senator, and finally deputy governor.

“He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When forced to choose between his position and his loyalty, he chose the latter,” Dickson said.

According to Dickson, Ewhrudjakpor’s service left a lasting impact on Bayelsa State, highlighting his open-door policy and commitment to public service.

“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least,” he added.

Dickson extended his condolences to Ewhrudjakpor’s wife and children, describing them as family, and also sent sympathies to the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, friends, associates, and supporters.

He urged Nigerians to join the family in praying for the peaceful repose of Ewhrudjakpor’s soul.

“The family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements. We must all find fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dickson said.

Ewhrudjakpor’s death marks a significant loss for Bayelsa State, with many noting his record of loyalty, diligence, and principled service in public office.