•••He would be remembered as my best mentee”
By Joy Yesufu
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, as a “painful and devastating loss,” declaring that the late deputy governor was the best of his political mentees.
In an emotional statement on Friday, Dickson said Thursday, December 11, the day Ehwrujakpor died would remain one of the saddest days of his life.
He recalled that he was preparing to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs when he received a distress call about Ewhrudjakpo’s medical emergency.
“I spoke with his aides and the doctors, then left abruptly and came home to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed,” he said.
“I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant. I have personally lost a dependable and principled mentee.”
Dickson described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a rare blend of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness, qualities he said were consistent throughout their decades-long relationship.
According to him, Ewhrudjakpo distinguished himself at the most difficult of times, embodying the principles and convictions he had learned through years of mentorship.
“He lived a simple life with profound impact. He was irreplaceable, formidable in intellect and learning, emotionally stable, mature and principled,” Dickson said.
Reflecting on their journey, the former governor recounted meeting Ewhrudjakpo in the 1990s when he was a young union activist. Their relationship deepened when Dickson became Attorney General and appointed him Personal Assistant. Later, as a member of the House of Representatives, Dickson made him Senior Legislative Aide.
As Governor, Dickson appointed Ewhrudjakpo Commissioner for Works, a role he held for nearly eight years, overseeing landmark infrastructure projects across Bayelsa, even during economic recession.
He later nominated him for the Senate, which he won, and subsequently for the Deputy Governorship under Governor Douye Diri.
“As Deputy Governor, he remained dutiful and loyal,” Dickson said, recalling moments when Ewhrudjakpo faced political persecution. “When he was unfortunately made to choose between his office and his loyalty, gratitude and respect to me, he chose the latter. He went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the nearly six years he served without complaint.”
Dickson emphasized that Ewhrudjakpo never betrayed trust, maintained an open-door policy, and upheld the creed he instilled in all his mentees: service to man is service to God, and to ourselves the least.
“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, Nigerians, and all who encountered him.”
Offering condolences to the late Deputy Governor’s wife and children he noted that his son was named after him. Dickson also extended sympathy to the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, his associates, and the government and people of Bayelsa State.
He added that the outpouring of calls and visits since the tragedy is a testament to Ewhrudjakpo’s impactful life of service.
“The family, in consultation with the government, will announce the funeral arrangements. I urge everyone to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the fortitude for his family and all of us to bear this irreparable loss.”Dickson said
