Following the sudden demise of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, the Governor of the state, Douye Diri, has directed the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure that every member of the state executive council undergoes compulsory medical check.
Speaking during the first state executive council meeting in 2026, Gov. Diri said the directive has become imperative in the light of the recent death of Ewhrudjakpo.
He said that, as public officers with hectic schedules, the cabinet members must undergo regular health checks to ensure they are medically fit at all times and to prevent avoidable death.
Gov. Diri noted that although death was inevitable, humans can take preventive measures to enjoy good health and a long life.
He disclosed that an autopsy on the late deputy governor had been conducted and that the result would be made public at the right time.
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While again cautioning against politicising the death of Ewhrudjakpo, he stated that a burial committee headed by the secretary to the state government had been constituted and that a date for the funeral would be announced soon.
At the meeting, the health commissioner presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of $400,000 won by the state as the first runners-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South South region.
The leadership challenge in the health sector is funded by UNICEF, Dangote Group, and other international bodies.
Gov. Diri described the state’s performance as refreshing and encouraging, saying the government’s investment in the sector was paying off.
Earlier, the health commissioner stated that the state‘s recognition and performance in the competition were a result of Gov. Diri’s commitment to the development of the health sector.
He also presented to the governor the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
