- “He was a trusted, faithful party man”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, after his sudden collapse at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon.
This is as the Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s untimely death as a ‘very painful loss’.
According to the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP, it received the news “with deep shock” even as it described Ewhrudjakpo as “a trusted, faithful party man.”
In a statement issued on Thursday night and signed by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said: “The National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, are in profound grief.”
The Party described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as “an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle”, adding: “He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.”
While extending its condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State, the PDP further said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
A statement issued in Abeokuta quoted Governor Abiodun as saying the incident was painful as the deceased was in his office attending to his duties when the incident happened, adding that he apparently defied illness to serve the people of Bayelsa State.
While commiserating with the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and the Government and people of Bayelsa State, he urged them to take solace in the life of service that Ewhrudjakpo lived. He said: “I received news of the demise of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, with deep sorrow.
“The incident came as a profound shock to all of us, but we submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time.
“I know how painful and devastating this development is for my brother, the governor, Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor’s death has sent shockwaves across the state, with security operatives cordoning off the hospital premises.
Born on 5th September 1965, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State under Governor Douye Diri from 2020 until his death.
Before becoming Deputy Governor, he represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly from 2019 to 2020.
His passing marks a significant loss to the state and the party, where he was widely regarded as a figure of integrity and principled leadership.
