Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a profound loss to the state, saying his humility, diligence and tireless service made him unforgettable.
Jonathan spoke on Saturday during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and the Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa, where he paid glowing tribute to the late deputy governor’s contributions to governance and public service.
Recalling Ewhrudjakpo’s close working relationship with the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation (GEJF), the former president said the late deputy governor consistently represented Bayelsa State at the foundation’s major programmes across Nigeria and beyond.
“For me, he was somebody my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programmes,” Jonathan said.
He cited Ewhrudjakpo’s role in mobilising members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the Executive Council for the foundation’s democracy dialogue in Benin City, similar engagements in Accra, Ghana, and the 10th anniversary celebration of the GEJF in Abuja.
“Whenever I am having a programme, Bayelsa State is always represented. It is quite a sad moment for all of us,” Jonathan added.
The former president eulogised Ewhrudjakpo as a humble and selfless public servant, noting that he worked relentlessly, sometimes at the expense of his own rest and wellbeing.
“I was also a deputy governor, but he worked harder than me. He appeared not to rest. This is even a lesson for all of us to find time to rest,” Jonathan said, praying for God’s comfort for the state and the bereaved family.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked Jonathan for being the first former president to officially visit the government and family of the late deputy governor, describing the gesture as deeply reassuring at a difficult time.
The governor disclosed that he had directed a medical autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death, amid widespread speculation.
“I have directed that an autopsy be done to reveal the cause of his death. There are a lot of nonsense going on on social media,” Diri said.
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He cautioned against politicising the tragedy, particularly on social media, urging Bayelsans to honour Ewhrudjakpo’s memory with dignity and restraint.
“In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the death of our dearly beloved deputy governor. If anyone loves him, this is the time to show it,” the governor warned.
Governor Diri reminded the public that the state remains in mourning, following the declaration of three working days of official mourning, and called on citizens to emulate the unity and compassion demonstrated by the former president.
“Let us love one another to the point of death because all of us will answer this call one day,” he said.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s death has continued to draw tributes from across the country, with leaders describing him as a calm, loyal and hardworking partner in governance whose absence will be deeply felt in Bayelsa State and beyond.