Jonathan says Ewhrudjakpo’s passing a huge loss to Bayelsa …Diri orders autopsy, warns against politicising death

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has described the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a painful and irreparable loss to the people of the state and beyond.

Jonathan made the remark on Saturday during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and members of the Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa, where he commiserated with the government and people of Bayelsa over the sudden demise of the deputy governor.

The former president said the late Ewhrudjakpo distinguished himself as a loyal, dependable and tireless public servant whose contributions to governance and democratic engagement would be deeply missed.

He recalled that the deputy governor consistently represented Bayelsa State and Governor Diri at programmes organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation.

Jonathan noted that Ewhrudjakpo played key roles in mobilising members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the State Executive Council to participate in several foundation activities, including democracy dialogue events held in Benin City, Edo State, and Accra, Ghana.

He also recalled the deputy governor’s involvement in the mobilisation of state officials for the foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration held in Abuja on November 20 this year.

According to the former president, Ewhrudjakpo’s commitment ensured that Bayelsa State was always visibly represented at national and international engagements linked to democratic development.

He described the late deputy governor as humble, hardworking and widely respected, noting that he was yet to hear anyone speak ill of him.

Drawing from personal experience as a former deputy governor, Jonathan remarked that Ewhrudjakpo appeared to work tirelessly, often without rest, adding that his death served as a sobering reminder of the need for leaders to balance service with personal wellbeing.

Jonathan prayed for God’s comfort for the government and people of Bayelsa, especially the immediate family of the deceased, and expressed hope that the state would not witness a similar tragedy again.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked the former president for being the first high-profile leader to officially visit and condole with the state government and the Ewhrudjakpo family.

He described Jonathan’s presence as a strong show of solidarity during a period of deep grief.

Governor Diri disclosed that he had directed relevant authorities to conduct an autopsy to medically ascertain the cause of the deputy governor’s death.

He said the decision was aimed at addressing speculations and misinformation circulating, particularly on social media.

The governor condemned attempts by some individuals to politicise the death, urging Bayelsans and the general public to desist from spreading unfounded claims and instead honour the memory of a man he said served the state with dedication and sincerity.

Diri appealed to the public to respect the mourning period declared by the state government, which includes three working days of official mourning, and to emulate the example set by the former president in paying respects to the late deputy governor.

He stressed that, according to Ijaw tradition, death should not be politicised, adding that genuine love and respect for the deceased should be expressed through prayers, tributes and unity.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Ewhrudjakpo’s death and called on Bayelsans to remain calm and supportive as the state mourns one of its most devoted leaders.