The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has suspended the commissioning of completed projects across the Niger Delta as a mark of respect for the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by the Managing Director of the commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and members of the Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Ogbuku explained that the NDDC had planned to begin its end-of-year project inaugurations on December 16, starting with the formal opening of a newly completed 700-bed hostel at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma.
The facility, named after President Bola Tinubu, was to serve as a major boost to student accommodation at the state-owned institution.
However, the programme was suspended following the death of the deputy governor on December 11.
According to him, all other commissioning activities scheduled by the commission have also been put on hold in solidarity with the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state during the period of mourning.
Ogbuku described the relationship between the NDDC and the Bayelsa State Government as cordial and productive, noting that the partnership had strengthened development efforts in the state since the inception of the current administration.
He said the commission considered it appropriate to suspend celebratory activities in deference to the loss suffered by the state.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, also paid a condolence visit to the Government House, leading a delegation of federal officials and political associates.
He conveyed the sympathies of President Bola Tinubu to Governor Diri, the state government, and the bereaved family.
Senator Lokpobiri said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death was received with shock and deep sadness, describing the late deputy governor as a dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to the development of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta at large.
He noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s wisdom, leadership style, and service to humanity would be sorely missed, particularly by those from his senatorial district.
He added that the late deputy governor lived a life of impact, stressing that the value of a life is measured not by its length but by the quality of service rendered to society.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also joined in paying tribute to the late deputy governor. A delegation led by the group’s National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, which included members of its Board of Trustees and executive council, expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Igali described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a major blow, not only to Bayelsa State but to the entire Niger Delta region.
He praised the working relationship between Governor Diri and his deputy, describing it as exemplary and widely admired across the country.
According to him, the late deputy governor played a critical role in the political stability and developmental strides recorded by the state.
Responding on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and the Ewhrudjakpo family, Governor Douye Diri expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his show of concern, including a personal phone call and an official condolence message.
The governor also thanked the NDDC leadership, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, PANDEF, and other national leaders for their solidarity and support.
He said the outpouring of goodwill from across the country had been a source of comfort to the state and the bereaved family.
Diri further called on political leaders and stakeholders in Bayelsa State to remain united, stressing that unity and cooperation were essential for sustaining peace and development in the state during and beyond the period of mourning.
