Edith CHUKU
Tributes have continued to pour in for the departed deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as stakeholders stormed the state government house, Yenagoa, on a condolence visit to the governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of the late deputy.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, rtd, extolled Ewhrudjakpo as the engine room that never powered down but searched for result while others slept.
According to John-Jonah, “it is almost impossible to talk about the departed deputy governor without being emotional.
“The news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death shook the foundation of the state, he emptied himself before he left given his performance in public office.”
John-Jonah, the immediate past deputy governor of the state, noted that Ewhrudjakpo made the burden of governance lighter by his dedication and commitment.
He led the state elders council on the condolence visit, in the company of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, who led the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Other sympathisers who were among the condolence visitors were High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who led a delegation that included house of representatives member, Julius Pondi, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and businessman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha.
The INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Eme Akpa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, described Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.
Akpa said, “we came here with a heavy heart to condole with you and the state over the passing of your deputy. We pray God to grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ekpemupolo delegation, Mr. Julius Pondi said the whole of the Ijaw nation had been thrown into mourning since last Thursday following the unfortunate demise of Ewhrudjakpo.
Ekpemupolo described Ewhrudjakpo as a very dependable ally of Governor Diri, a great public servant who gave his all and died in active service.
He urged the governor, the Ewhrudjakpo family and people of the state to be strong and be comforted as the late deputy governor led a selfless life worthy of emulation.
Responding, Diri said it was strange and still unbelievable that his deputy was no more.
He noted that in the history of the state, it was the first time a serving deputy governor would pass on.
He however stated that as painful as it was, mortals cannot question God who designated a day to be born and a day to die.
The governor said his late deputy was dependable and that the achievements of his administration were due to their harmonious working relationship together with others in the government.
The Bayelsa helmsman equally conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who he said had phoned him to extend their sympathies.
