… different speakers described him a distinguished public servant
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has once again eulogised his late deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him, among other things, as a consummate public servant, a tree that provided shade to many, steadfast, tireless, resourceful, a workaholic, and one imbued with the wisdom of the forebears.
Governor Diri, who in the company of his wives, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri and Justice (Mrs.) Patience Ama Diri, poured encomiums on the late Ewhrudjakpo at the Night of Tribute organised by the Bayelsa State Government at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, called on politicians to continue to honour the late Deputy Governor by living in unity and upholding the values he stood for.
Also paying tribute, former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that the news of the death of the late Ewhrudjakpo dealt him a devastating blow from which he was yet to recover, describing him as an extraordinary politician who carried out his duties diligently.
On his part, the former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson, while thanking the people for the honour done to the late Ewhrudjakpo, revealed that he was shattered by the death of one he described as a partner on a journey of service to the people and the upholding of the integrity of Bayelsa State.
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High points of the event were the broadcast of a documentary on the life and times of the late Ewhrudjakpo, as well as a compendium of many proverbs spoken by the late Deputy Governor.
Top dignitaries in attendance were the wife of the former President of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, first Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Benson Agadaga, Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, member representing Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Hon. Oforji Oboku, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Rodney Ambaowei, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Mitema Obordor, some non-serving members of the National Assembly, the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other members of the Assembly, former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, immediate past Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, members of the Executive Council, Service Commanders, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, PANDEF Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, APC Caretaker Chairman, Bayelsa, Chief Dennis Otiotio, the Ewhrudjakpo family, top government functionaries; and other private citizens.