By Joy Yesufu
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, following the sudden death of his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Ewhrudjakpo slumped and passed away on December 11, plunging Bayelsa State into mourning.
Governor Fubara arrived in Yenagoa amid tight security, dressed in black native attire with a matching cap.
He was received by Governor Diri before proceeding to the Bayelsa State Government House, where the two leaders held a brief interaction.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor had described the late deputy governor’s death as a monumental loss, commiserating with Governor Diri, the Bayelsa State Government, and the people of the state.
In a statement personally signed by him, Fubara said the tragic news had deeply saddened the government and people of Rivers State.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I extend our deepest condolences to you, my brother, Governor Douye Diri, and to the entire people of Bayelsa State over the sudden passing of your Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,” he stated.
According to Fubara, the loss transcends state boundaries, noting that the news has left neighbouring states and the wider Niger Delta region in collective mourning.
“The sad news resonates across our borders, leaving us in a state of shared grief alongside our brothers and sisters in Bayelsa State,” he said.
The Rivers governor described Ewhrudjakpo as a public servant of exceptional calibre whose contributions to governance were marked by intellectual depth, humility, and dedication.
“Throughout his distinguished career, he navigated the complexities of governance with a rare blend of intellectual depth and profound humility.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was not merely a political figure, but a steadfast pillar of your administration and a beacon of hope to his constituents,” the statement added.
In his response, the Bayelsa governor expressed gratitude to his Rivers counterpart for his show of love and support over the sad incident.
Diri, said Fubara was the first governor to pay a condolence visit after his deputy’s demise on December 11 and that the gesture demonstrated that Bayelsa and Rivers people were one with a common history.
He said the government and people of Bayelsa as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family were comforted and honoured by Fubara’s visit.
Diri assured that Bayelsa and Rivers would continue to collaborate and resolve issues that arise in the interest of both states and their people.
“As governors, both of us have collaborated quietly to resolve the Soku oil well dispute that predated our administrations. Same way, we will work together as brother states to resolve any other issue that might arise. Rivers and Bayelsa cannot afford to be at loggerheads, especially as we are in the same party. So, we will continue to collaborate.
“I thank you and your delegation for this visit, which means so much to us,” Diri stated.
Both governors thereafter visited the official residence of the departed deputy governor to condole with his wife, Barr. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.
