Jonathan, Diri, Dickson, others pay glowing tributes to late Bayelsa Deputy Gov

Eminent sons and daughters of Bayelsa State, including former president Goodluck Jonathan, governor Douye Diri and former governor Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday paid heartfelt tributes to the late deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

In celebrating a life defined by service, loyalty and uncommon dedication to public duty, they all assembled to pay their last respects.

Thousands of residents, political leaders and sympathisers converged on the DSP Alamieyeseigha banquet hall in Yenagoa for the “Day of Tributes,” one of the key events marking the funeral activities of the late deputy governor.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo kicked the bucket on December 11 last year after slumping while performing official duties in his office at the government house.

In his tribute, former president Goodluck Jonathan described the late deputy governor as an extraordinary and selfless politician who devoted his life to the growth and development of Bayelsa state,he said he was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing, praying that God grants comfort and strength to his family, community and the entire state.

Governor Douye Diri, overwhelmed by emotion and shedding tears, said that while many rightly described the late deputy governor as a consummate public servant, he personally had lost far more than a colleague.

“,For me I have lost a brother a friend, an ally and a compatriot,” the governor said.

Quoting from 2nd Samuel 1:26, Governor Diri recited David’s elegy for Jonathan, I grieve for you my brother Jonathan you were very dear to me Your love for me was wonderful.”

He noted that the words perfectly captured his relationship with the late deputy governor,

describing Ewhrudjakpo as “a man of proverbs.”.

Governor Diri announced that a team had been set up to compile and publish a compendium of his famous sayings, to preserve his wisdom for future generations.

“You will remain in my memory as the true definition of support workaholic, resourceful and dependable,” Diri said.

“Your labour was tireless, your integrity uncompromising, your work ethic, commitment to public service and unshakeable loyalty to government, friends and family will continue to inspire us.

Words fail me; they cannot adequately capture the depth of the loss I feel today.”

Also paying tribute, the immediate past governor of Bayelsa state and senator representing Bayelsa west senatorial district, Seriake Dickson, described the late deputy governor as a mentee, trusted ally and family member, with whom he shared a relationship spanning nearly three decades.

“He was an embodiment of service to the people and a man who valued and nurtured relationships,” Dickson said. “i introduced him to politics and mentored him, we walked a shared journey of service for almost 30 years, I thank everyone here for honouring him and preserving his memory.”

Tributes also poured in from members of his family, former classmates, the speaker of the Bayelsa state house of assembly, Abraham Ingobere, the Bayelsa caucus in the national assembly led by chief Fred Agbedi.

Also the Bayelsa elders council, the Bayelsa state traditional rulers council, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by Ambassador Boladei Igali.

The Nigerian bar association (NBA), Yenagoa branch was not left out and the Ijaw national congress (INC), the Ijaw youth council (IYC), among others.

Dignitaries present at the event included the wife of former President Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan; former deputy governors and their spouses; past and present political appointees and legislators; traditional rulers; religious leaders; community leaders; associates; and a broad cross-section of the people of Bayelsa State.

The late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo will be laid to rest on friday, January 30, in his hometown of Ofoni, Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa state.