Emotions ran high in Yenagoa as the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, alongside former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Governor Seriake Dickson, led a galaxy of dignitaries to pay their final respects to the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Speaking at a Night of Tribute organized by the State Government at the Banquet Hall, Governor Diri described his late deputy as a consummate public servant and a workaholic who served as a pillar of support for his administration.
Accompanied by his wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama Diri, the Governor noted that the late Senator was like a tree that provided shade to many, characterized by steadfastness, resourcefulness, and the ancient wisdom of his forebears.
Governor Diri seized the moment to charge the political class to honour Ewhrudjakpo’s memory by fostering unity and upholding the values of integrity he represented.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in an emotional eulogy, confessed that the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing dealt him a devastating blow from which he is yet to fully recover.
He described the late Deputy Governor as an extraordinary politician who executed his duties with rare diligence.
Similarly, the immediate past Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, expressed that he was shattered by the loss of a man he regarded as a partner in the journey of service and the preservation of Bayelsa’s integrity.
The solemn event featured a documentary showcasing the life and times of the late Deputy Governor, as well as the release of a compendium highlighting the many proverbs he was known for.
The event was attended by a roll call of high-profile dignitaries, including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan and the first Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff. Also present were National Assembly members including Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson, and House of Representatives members Chief Fred Agbedi, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Oforji Oboku, Rodney Ambaowei, and Mitema Obordor.
Other notable attendees included the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd); the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei. Traditional and political leaders, including INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba and IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri, also joined the Ewhrudjakpo family in bidding farewell to the distinguished statesman.
