Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, over the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly died suddenly on December 11. Governor Fubara arrived in Yenagoa amid tight security, dressed in black native attire with a matching cap, before proceeding to the Bayelsa State Government House, according to Channels Television.
The Rivers governor exchanged pleasantries with Governor Diri on arrival and expressed his sympathy to the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state over the loss.
Earlier, Fubara described the death of Ewhrudjakpo as a monumental loss, commiserating with Governor Diri, the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the deceased. In a statement personally signed by him, the Rivers governor said he was deeply saddened by the news of the deputy governor’s sudden passing.
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“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I extend our deepest condolences to you, my brother, Governor Douye Diri, and all the people of Bayelsa State over the news of the sudden passing of your Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,” Fubara said.
He added that the loss resonated beyond Bayelsa State, leaving neighbouring states in collective mourning. Fubara described the late deputy governor as a man of exceptional calibre whose public service was marked by intellectual depth and humility.
According to him, Ewhrudjakpo played a stabilising role in the Bayelsa administration and served as a source of hope to his constituents throughout his political career.