….. As Bayelsa govt opens official condolence register today, lowers flags at offices
By Attah Ede
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the sudden demise of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a very sorrowful, shocking and inexplicable death.
Ewhurudjakpo had on Thursday at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa collapsed and was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and later to the Intensive Care Unit, where he passed at the age of 60.
The exact cause of the medical emergency has not been officially revealed, but many are suggesting that it may have been attributed to a possible cardiac arrest.
Reacting to this ugly development, the main opposition People’s Democratic Party PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the event was particularly painful for members in Bayelsa State, where Ewhrudjakpo had been a central figure in governance and party affairs.
“We received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died.
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle. He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss”, the party said.
Meanwhile, the state government has officially opened a condolence register in honour of the deceased as family members, colleagues, and close political allies continue to visit the residence of the deputy governor.
As at the time of filing this report, flags at government offices in parts of Yenagoa were seen lowered as a mark of respect and anticipation to announce funeral arrangements soon.
Until his death, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was widely known for his calm disposition, administrative experience, and loyalty to the PDP. Before becoming deputy governor, he served as a senator representing Bayelsa West, and earlier as commissioner for works in the state government.
Some residents of Yenagoa could not absorb the shock of the death of the deputy governor whom they described as a leader who was approachable and dedicated to public service.
They lamented that his death came at a time Bayelsa State is in dare need of his experience to stabilize ongoing development programmes in the State.
