Jonathan, Dickson Mourn Late Bayelsa Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock over the sudden death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Jonathan, in a post on his official Facebook account, expressed shock and sadness over the demise of the deputy governor, describing Ewhrudjakpo as a humble and dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for Bayelsa and Nigeria.

According to the former Nigerian leader, the late deputy governor was intelligent, humorous, and committed to good governance. He further described Ewhrudjakpo’s death as a significant loss to both the state and the nation.

“His passing is a profound loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, his immediate family and to all of us who knew him closely.

“He will be remembered for his forthrightness, dedication to service, and steadfast commitment to the development and progress of Bayelsa,” Jonathan said.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and the Government of Bayelsa State, urging them to find solace in the impactful and selfless life of service Ewhrudjakpo lived in devotion to his people.

Similarly, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said he has been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo.

In a Facebook post reacting to the passing of Ewhrudjakpo, Dickson, who mentored Ewhrudjakpo, said the news of the deputy governor’s death was “too painful” and difficult to accept.

He praised the late deputy governor as one of his most loyal and hardworking political associates, recalling that they had worked closely together from their early days in public service. He described him as a man of integrity and courage.

“I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician.

“I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.

“Dr Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness,” he said.

Dickson said Ewhrudjakpo served in many roles with distinction, including Commissioner for Works, Senator, and most recently, Deputy Governor, adding that he was also committed to education and earned a law degree up to the PhD level despite his busy schedule.

According to Dickson, the late deputy governor lived a simple life, helped many people, and remained loyal even in difficult political times. He stated that the people of Bayelsa West, Ewhrudjakpo’s community of Ofoni, and the Catholic Church, where he served, will greatly miss him.

“He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining.

“There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service, the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.

“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least.

“While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end. He will be sorely missed. In fact, I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor,” Dickson stated.