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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late deputy-governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, as an unusual politician.
Jonathan, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Patience Jonathan, who stated this at a special tribute session in honour of the late Ewhrudjakpo at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall,
noted that the deceased distinguished himself by providing selfless service to society.
According to Jonathan, Ewhrudjakpo was an exceptional politician who worked diligently in the service of the state as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and later as deputy governor.
“Ewhrudjakpo was a nice, lively, and extraordinary politician who believed in doing what was right.”
The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, in an emotionally laden voice, recounted his pain since the sudden demise of Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025.
He said each time he had the opportunity to speak about his deputy after that fateful day, he found himself stuck in a fickle.
The Bayelsa governor noted that the passing of his deputy reminded him of the brevity of life, and that he was now left alone to complete the journey they both started on February 14, 2020.
Diri, who fought back tears intermittently, described his deputy as a consummate public servant, compatriot, an ally, and brother.
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“Words cannot adequately capture the deep sense of loss that I feel today. I miss his advice. My heart aches. Lawrence, where are you?” he asked repeatedly.
“I have lost a true friend, colleague, and brother. To some, Ewhrudjakpo was a hard person, but was so soft to others. To me, he was a man of many proverbs.”
Speaking further, the Bayelsa number one citizen described his late deputy as dependable, resourceful, and a workaholic with an uncompromising integrity.
“He was a man of unshakeable loyalty to government, family, and friends, and his attributes will continue to inspire all of us.”
Immediate past governor of the state and Senator, Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, said he was devastated by Ewhrudjakpo’s unexpected passage and that the deceased’s commitment to service embodied the reasons he delved into public service.
Senator Dickson also recalled his political journey with Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as his mentee, noting sadly that it was the first time in the history of Bayelsa that it lost a serving deputy governor.
“Ewhrudjakpo and I have been together on a journey in the service of our people and upholding the dignity of our people for over 30 years.
What can I say? His death was too sudden, too shattering, and devastating. Since his unexpected passing on that fateful December 11, I have not been myself.”
Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, stated that Ewhrudjakpo worked hard to elevate the shared vision of the Prosperity Government and that history will record him as having placed the interest of the state above his personal considerations.
