Ewhrudjakpo: First Lady sympathises with Bayelsa …. Customs chief pays condolence visit as wrestling event is shelved

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended heartfelt condolences to the Bayelsa State Government, Governor Douye Diri and the family of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, following his death.

Speaking through the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady led a delegation to the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday to commiserate with the state.

She described the passing of the deputy governor as a painful and tragic loss, noting that the visit was undertaken in deep sorrow.

Members of the delegation included the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau, the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila, and the wife of the Minister of Works, Rachael Umahi.

The First Lady conveyed her sympathy to Governor Diri, the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children and the people of Bayelsa State, praying for divine strength and comfort for them.

She noted that while death is a reality faced by all, the loss of such a key leader was particularly heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, also led officials of the Service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation on a condolence visit to the Bayelsa Government House.

Adeniyi, who doubles as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death came as a shock to both the Service and the sports community.

He explained that the late deputy governor had maintained close ties with the federation through his oversight of the Ministry of Sports, making the loss deeply personal.

He disclosed that the federation had planned to introduce its new board to Governor Diri and to flag off a national wrestling championship in his honour.

He however, said the event had been postponed indefinitely as a mark of respect for the late deputy governor.

In his response, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the First Lady for personally reaching out to him and for sending a high-level delegation to identify with the state in its moment of grief.

He said the presence of representatives from the Presidency was a source of encouragement to both the government and the bereaved family.

The governor described Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable partner in governance, noting that he played a crucial role in the day-to-day running of the administration.

He said the late deputy governor often represented him at key national engagements, including meetings of the National Economic Council.

“Bayelsa has lost a dedicated son and our government has lost one of its strongest pillars,” Diri said.

He also thanked the Controller-General of Customs for his support, particularly in facilitating the clearance of gas turbine equipment for the state’s independent power project after the approval of a presidential duty waiver.

Governor Diri revealed that six of the eight turbine units had already been installed, while the remaining units were expected to arrive at the Lagos port shortly.

He added that earlier delays had affected the planned completion timeline of the project and appealed for continued assistance from the Customs Service.

Following the visits to the Government House, both delegations proceeded to the official residence of the late deputy governor to condole with his widow, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and members of the family.