The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has ordered all members of the state executive council to undergo compulsory medical checks, following the recent death of Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
This was contained in a statement signed by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, which noted that Diri issued the directive during the first executive council meeting of 2026.
The governor described the move as a necessary precaution for public officers with demanding schedules.
He emphasised that while death is inevitable, preventive healthcare can help officials maintain good health and avoid unnecessary loss of life.
It reads, “All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death. Members of the State Executive Council, go and do compulsory check-up. This is a directive that must be carried out.”
Governor Diri also addressed the autopsy conducted on the late deputy governor, saying the results are ready and will be made public at the appropriate time.
He further cautioned against politicising Ewhrudjakpo’s death, noting, “While we were mourning, some people were politicising the death of our deputy governor instead of showing love and compassion. This was not expected in our state.”
In a positive development, the state received recognition for its achievements in the health sector. Bayelsa was named first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South-South region, winning a $400,000 prize funded by UNICEF, the Dangote Group, and other international partners.
It reads, “This is the best award we have won so far, and it came with a dollar reward. It is down to the exceptional performance of the Commissioner for Health. When you work hard, there will be results like this,” the governor said.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, attributed the state’s success to Governor Diri’s commitment to healthcare development.
He also presented Diri with the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance, recognising his contributions to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa and across Nigeria.