Wife of Nigeria’s President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday condoled with the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing his death as tragic and deeply painful.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, led a high-powered delegation to the Government House, Yenagoa, where she expressed sorrow over the loss and prayed for divine comfort for the state.
Members of the delegation included the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau; wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and wife of the Minister of Works, Rachael Umahi.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Tinubu said she had not anticipated coming to Bayelsa under such sad circumstances, noting that death remains an inevitable reality for all.
“I am short of words. I never knew I would be coming to Bayelsa on a sad note. We are all with you, especially the Ewhrudjakpo family at this trying time,” she said.
She prayed for God’s comfort for Governor Douye Diri, the widow, Mrs Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, the children, and the people of Bayelsa State, and asked God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
In a separate condolence visit, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, led a delegation from the service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) to the Government House.
Adeniyi, who was recently elected President of the NWF, described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as difficult to accept, noting that the late deputy governor was a friend and trusted ally of Governor Diri.
He explained that Ewhrudjakpo’s supervision of the Ministry of Sports brought him into close contact with the federation, adding that plans to introduce the NWF board and flag off the National Wrestling Classic in the governor’s honour had been suspended.
“As a mark of respect for the departed, the board has decided to postpone the championship indefinitely until after the funeral,” Adeniyi said.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked President Tinubu’s wife for her support, disclosing that she had earlier called to sympathise with him personally.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Condoles Bayelsa, Gov Diri Over Ewhrudjakpo’s Death
He said the presence of the presidential delegation was a great honour to the state and the Ewhrudjakpo family, describing his late deputy as a central figure in the administration.
“My deputy was part of the active four wheels of governance in Bayelsa. He represented me at several National Economic Council meetings and was a consummate public servant. Bayelsa has lost a son and a strong pillar of this government,” Diri said.
The governor also appreciated the Customs CG for his role in facilitating the clearance of the state’s gas turbines at the seaport following a presidential duty waiver.
He disclosed that six of the eight turbine units had been installed, while the remaining two were expected at the Lagos port, adding that delays had slowed the completion of the state’s independent power project.
The condolence visits ended with separate stops at the official residence of the late deputy governor, where the delegations paid their respects to his widow, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo.