Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a deeply personal and heartbreaking loss, saying his return to Government House after leaving office in 2020 was under the most painful circumstances.
Dickson stated this on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Government House, Yenagoa, where he was accompanied by his wife, Prof. Rachael Dickson, and a large delegation of political associates.
In a statement signed by Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary, Dickson said his visit to the Creek Haven for the first time since handing over power was “deeply saddening” and emotionally overwhelming.
The statement reads partly: “On a nostalgic, historic note, let me say that this particular visit leaves a very sour taste in my mouth. I would have preferred since handing over in 2020 to you that I visited here on a happy occasion.
“But my very first visit in this conference hall and to this Government House is on a very sombre and sad note. That is the way God has destined it to be.
“I would have loved to be here much earlier since this happened on December 11. But this was one death that broke me. It was unexpected, sudden, and the profundity of the loss was enormous.
“This is the very first time in our history as a state that this sad event has occurred. Everyone here knows what Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo did in public service and what he stood for.”
Dickson described Ewhrudjakpo as a loyal political ally whose contributions to Bayelsa’s development were enduring and historic, particularly his role in major infrastructure delivery.
He recalled that Ewhrudjakpo, as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, supervised the construction of the present Government House complex, making the condolence visit even more emotional.
According to him, stepping into the edifice triggered memories of the deputy governor’s commitment to public service and his legacy in governance.
The former governor extended condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state, urging political leaders and citizens to remain united during the period of mourning, regardless of political differences.
Dickson stressed that moments of national and state tragedy should foster solidarity rather than division.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked Dickson for summoning the courage to return to Bayelsa despite the emotional weight of the loss.
The governor said the death of Ewhrudjakpo had affected him personally, noting that the late deputy governor played a critical role in the administration and in the political history of the state.
Diri acknowledged Dickson’s relationship with the deceased, describing the loss as a shared pain for the government, the family, and the people of Bayelsa State.
He added that Ewhrudjakpo’s passing was a tragic blow that would be felt across generations, pledging that the state would honour his legacy of service and dedication.
