INEC, Bayelsa elders council, Tompolo lead condolence visits to Gov Diri over loss of deputy

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday received several high-profile condolence delegations at the Government House in Yenagoa following the death of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The sympathisers, who also extended condolences to the family of the late deputy governor, included officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the Bayelsa Elders Council, and a delegation led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the INEC delegation was led by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe.

The electoral body described the passing of Ewhrudjakpo as a painful loss not only to the state government but also to public service in general.

Speaking on behalf of INEC, the Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Eme Akpa, said the late deputy governor was widely respected for his diligence, discipline and commitment to duty.

She noted that Ewhrudjakpo distinguished himself as a public officer whose contributions to governance in Bayelsa State would not be forgotten in a hurry.

She expressed the commission’s sympathy to Governor Diri, the bereaved family and the people of the state, praying for divine strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Also at the Government House was the Bayelsa Elders Council, led by its chairman and former deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).

In his remarks, John-Jonah said the death of Ewhrudjakpo was deeply shocking and emotionally difficult to comprehend.

He described the late deputy governor as a tireless worker who gave everything he had to public service, noting that his sudden passing had shaken the entire state.

According to him, Ewhrudjakpo played a critical behind-the-scenes role in governance, often working relentlessly to ensure results while others rested.

The elder statesman added that Ewhrudjakpo’s commitment and sense of responsibility significantly eased the burden of leadership for Governor Diri and contributed immensely to the achievements recorded by the administration.

A separate delegation led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) also paid a condolence visit.

The group included a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi; the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and businessman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Pondi said the entire Ijaw nation had been plunged into mourning by the death of Ewhrudjakpo, describing it as a collective loss to the ethnic nationality and Bayelsa State at large.

Tompolo, through the address, described the late deputy governor as a loyal partner and dependable ally of Governor Diri, who served with dedication until his final moments.

He noted that Ewhrudjakpo lived a life of selflessness and commitment, urging the governor, the bereaved family and the people of the state to draw strength from the worthy legacy he left behind.

In his response, Governor Diri expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his deputy, describing the incident as shocking and difficult to accept.

He said the death remained unbelievable, particularly as Ewhrudjakpo was actively serving at the time.

The governor noted that it was unprecedented in the history of Bayelsa State for a sitting deputy governor to die in office.

Nevertheless, he said the will of God was unquestionable, stressing that life and death ultimately rest in divine hands.

Governor Diri described Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable partner whose loyalty and commitment played a major role in the successes recorded by the administration.

He attributed many of the achievements of his government to their strong working relationship and collective teamwork within the executive.

The governor also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had personally reached out to him to express their condolences, a gesture he said was deeply appreciated during the difficult moment.

He thanked all the visiting delegations for their prayers, support and solidarity, assuring them that the state would continue to honour the memory and legacy of his late deputy.