The remains of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, have been laid to rest in his hometown of Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a significant loss to Bayelsa State and the country at large, praising his legacy of selfless service and wisdom.
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He stated that Ewhrudjakpo fought a good fight and prayed to God to comfort his family and all those affected by his death.
“Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will always judge everybody. By this standard, we can comfortably say that Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service.”
In his remarks, former President Jonathan stated that Ewhrudjakpo’s demise was a bitter pill to swallow but that as Christians, those affected should give thanks to God in line with the Biblical teaching that urges believers to thank God in all things.
Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo as a good man, saying it is rare for people to speak so highly of a politician that rose to the position of deputy governor.
The former president also said the late Ewhrudjakpo impacted the lives of all those who came in contact with him positively and prayed that God would provide another person for the people of Ofoni to fill his shoes.
He said, “As Christians, we say in all things we give thanks to God. Even at that, certain things happen, and you find it difficult to thank God. The death of Lawrence is one of these.
“Everyone speaks good of Lawrence. He was a good man who related well with people. It is very difficult to find a politician who rose to the position of deputy governor to be well spoken of in this manner.”
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, in an emotional tribute, described the passing of his deputy as a harsh and painful reality, saying it was a loss that human understanding could not fully explain.
“Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was a very careful man. If life depended on being careful, he would still be here,” Diri said. “But God, who gives and takes life, knows best.”
The governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the many Nigerians who stood by Bayelsa State during the period of mourning.
In a sermon, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Hyacinth Egbebo, urged Christians not to grieve without hope, reminding them of the promise of resurrection through Jesus Christ. He described Ewhrudjakpo as forthright, generous, and humble, urging politicians to emulate his character and values
Dignitaries at the event included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; former Anambra Governor Peter Obi; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere); former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; immediate past Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson; deputy governors from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Benue, Abia, Plateau, and Bauchi states; NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; and several members of the Bayelsa National and State Assemblies.
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