Bayelsa State Government has confirmed the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and declared three days of state mourning in his honour. The announcement threw the state into grief on Friday as residents struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of the 60 year old deputy governor.
The confirmation came in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai. The government said the passing of Ewhrudjakpo came with deep regret and profound shock, noting that he was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day before he suddenly collapsed in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement issued later on Friday, Governor Douye Diri declared a three day state mourning with immediate effect and directed that all flags in the state should fly at half mast. He described the death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a painful blow to Bayelsa and the nation, adding that the late deputy governor served the state with commitment and sincerity.
Governor Diri also extended condolences to his widow, Beatrice, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Henry Seriake Dickson and the people of Bayelsa State. He prayed for God to grant the family and the state the strength to bear the loss.
