Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, alongside the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Monday received an outpouring of sympathy from prominent individuals and groups during condolence visits at the Government House in Yenagoa.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, it was disclosed that the condolence visits were led by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Bayelsa Elders Council, and a high-powered delegation headed by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
The INEC delegation was led by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe. Speaking through the Commission’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Eme Akpa, INEC described the late deputy governor as an exemplary public servant whose commitment to duty and service to Bayelsa State stood out throughout his career.
“We came with heavy hearts to condole with Your Excellency and the entire state over this painful loss. We pray that God grants you, the family, and the people of Bayelsa the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” she said.
Also present was the Bayelsa Elders Council, led by its Chairman and immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd). In his emotional remarks, John-Jonah said it was difficult to speak about the late Ewhrudjakpo without deep sadness, noting that his death shook the very foundation of the state.
He described the departed deputy governor as a tireless worker and the engine room of governance, who constantly sought results even while others rested. According to him, Ewhrudjakpo made governance easier through his uncommon dedication, selflessness, and commitment to service.
High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) led a delegation that included a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi; the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and businessman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Julius Pondi said the entire Ijaw nation had been thrown into mourning following the sudden demise of the deputy governor.
Tompolo described Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable ally of Governor Diri, a devoted public servant who gave his all to the state and passed on while still in active service. He urged the governor, the bereaved family, and the people of Bayelsa State to remain strong, noting that the late deputy governor lived a selfless and exemplary life worthy of emulation.
In his response, Governor Douye Diri said the death of his deputy remained shocking and difficult to comprehend. He noted that in the history of Bayelsa State, it was the first time a serving deputy governor would die in office.
While acknowledging the deep pain of the loss, the governor stated that humans could not question God, who determines the time of birth and death. He described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable partner, adding that the successes recorded by his administration were largely due to their harmonious working relationship, alongside other members of the government.
Governor Diri also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, revealing that they had personally reached out to him to express their sympathies over the tragic loss.
The governor thanked all the visiting delegations for their prayers, support, and solidarity during what he described as one of the most difficult moments in the history of Bayelsa State.
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