Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep grief over the sudden death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, describing the loss as “too painful” and personally devastating.
In an emotional statement released following the passing of the deputy governor, Senator Dickson said he received the news of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency on Thursday while preparing to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees at the National Assembly, where he serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
According to him, he immediately contacted the deputy governor’s aides and medical team before rushing home to monitor developments, only for his “worst fears” to be confirmed.
“I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed,” Dickson said, describing the late deputy governor as “a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant.”
Dickson noted that beyond the public loss to Bayelsa State, he had personally lost a dependable mentee whom he had guided for decades. He described Ewhrudjakpor as the best among his political protégés, praising his rare blend of intellect, competence, loyalty and selflessness.
Tracing their long association to the 1990s, Dickson recalled mentoring Ewhrudjakpor from his days as a union activist through his academic and political journey. He revealed that Ewhrudjakpor served as his Personal Assistant when he was Attorney General, later as Senior Legislative Aide during his time in the House of Representatives, and subsequently as Commissioner for Works for nearly eight years while he was Governor of Bayelsa State.
He credited Ewhrudjakpor with playing a key role in delivering landmark infrastructure projects across the state, even during periods of economic recession, before being nominated and elected as Senator representing Bayelsa West.
Dickson further disclosed that he later nominated Ewhrudjakpor as Deputy Governor alongside Governor Douye Diri, noting that throughout his tenure, the late deputy governor remained dutiful, loyal and principled, even in the face of personal and political trials.
“He chose loyalty, respect and gratitude over office, and endured a lot for the principled choices he made,” Dickson said, adding that Ewhrudjakpor lived a simple life with profound impact and maintained an open-door policy in public service.
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Describing him as irreplaceable, Dickson said the late deputy governor embodied the creed of service to humanity above personal interest, a principle he said Ewhrudjakpor upheld to the very end.
While extending condolences to the Ewhrudjakpor family, the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Bayelsa State Government, and the Catholic Church, where the deceased was a devout member and Knight, Dickson urged Nigerians to take solace in the legacy of service he left behind.
He added that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in consultation with the Bayelsa State Government and called on the public to join in prayers for the repose of Ewhrudjakpor’s soul and for strength for all who mourn him.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, a former Commissioner, Senator and Deputy Governor, died on Thursday after a sudden medical emergency, plunging Bayelsa State into mourning.