Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a painful loss that has left the state in deep mourning, saying his humility, loyalty and tireless service will not be forgotten.
Jonathan spoke on Saturday during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and the Ewhrudjakpo family at Government House in Yenagoa, where he reflected on the late deputy governor’s consistent support for democratic engagement and public service initiatives.
The former president recalled that Ewhrudjakpo often represented Governor Diri at programmes organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation, noting that he personally mobilised members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and the State Executive Council to attend key events across Nigeria and beyond.
Jonathan said the late deputy governor played similar roles during the foundation’s democracy dialogue in Benin City, Edo State, and again this year in Accra, Ghana. He added that on November 20, Ewhrudjakpo led commissioners and lawmakers to Abuja for the 10th anniversary celebration of the foundation, ensuring Bayelsa State was always visibly represented.
“For me, he is someone my foundation and I will never forget,” Jonathan said. “Whenever I had a programme, Bayelsa State was always represented. This is truly a sad moment for all of us.”
Eulogising the deceased, the former president described Ewhrudjakpo as humble, selfless and widely respected, noting that no one ever spoke ill of him. Drawing from his own experience as a former deputy governor, Jonathan said Ewhrudjakpo worked with uncommon energy and dedication, often without rest.
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He added that the sudden loss serves as a sobering reminder of the need for public office holders to balance service with personal well-being, while praying that Bayelsa State would be spared a similar tragedy in the future.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked Jonathan for being the first former president to formally visit the state and the bereaved family. He disclosed that the state government had ordered an autopsy to medically determine the cause of the deputy governor’s death.
The governor warned against the politicisation of the tragedy, especially on social media, urging the public to focus on honouring the legacy of a man he said served Bayelsa with total commitment and sincerity.
Diri appealed to the people of the state to respect the period of mourning declared by the government, stressing that Bayelsa remains in grief following the loss of its deputy governor.
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death,” the governor said. “There is too much misinformation on social media. If anyone wishes to issue a statement, let it be to eulogise him and mourn him with us.”
He reminded residents that three working days of mourning had been declared and called on all Bayelsans to show unity, compassion and respect for the deceased and his family.
The visit concluded with Governor Diri and former President Jonathan paying a condolence visit to the wife of the late deputy governor, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at the family residence within Government House.
