Bayelsa Sets Date for Burial of Former Deputy Governor

The burial of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been scheduled for January 30, according to Governor Douye Diri.

This information was disclosed by Mr. Diri during the 179th State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

Ewhrudjakpo passed away after he collapsed while working in his office on December 11 of the previous year. Medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa confirmed his passing. He was 60 years old.

Following discussions by a burial committee led by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, a four-day funeral program was approved, as stated by Governor Diri.

Mr. Diri elaborated that the memorial activities would commence on January 27 with sports events, followed by a Day of Tributes scheduled for January 28.

The governor also noted that valedictory sessions are set to occur on January 29 at both the State High Court and the Executive Council Chambers.

On the day of the burial, January 30, a requiem mass will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ofoni prior to the interment, as confirmed by Diri. He mentioned that the government, family, and church have all concurred regarding the plans for the burial of their late deputy governor.

Mr. Ewhrudjakpo was a committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until his death.

The PDP's national spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, articulated that the deputy governor's demise is a heavy blow and an unfathomable loss.

“This distressing news has plunged the National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as well as the entire membership of our esteemed party, particularly our loyal members in Bayelsa State, into deep mourning,” Mr. Ememobong stated in an official release.

He praised Mr. Ewhrudjakpo as a steadfast party supporter and a principled politician who consistently engaged in politics with integrity.

Despite Governor Diri's recent switch from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ewhrudjakpo remained loyal to the PDP. His decision to oppose the governor’s camp amidst the defection sparked rumors about potential efforts to oust him and replace him with a candidate aligned with the governor's new party.

The PDP commemorated Mr. Ewhrudjakpo as a champion of political integrity and expressed their sorrow over his passing.

“We are truly heartbroken by the loss of this integrity champion, and we pray for God to grant him eternal peace,” the spokesperson concluded.