The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has described the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a man of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and uncommon proverbial wisdom whose death has left a deep void in Bayelsa State and beyond.
Lokpobiri led a high-powered delegation of political leaders from Abuja to Yenagoa to commiserate with Governor Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Government, and the family of the late deputy governor over his sudden demise.
Speaking during the condolence visit, Lokpobiri said the death of Ewhrudjakpo came as a shock to everyone who knew him, noting that no one could question God’s will over life and death.
“The death of your deputy governor is shocking to everybody. As the Bible teaches us, there is a time appointed for a man to be born and a time to die. Nobody knows the day. This was one death that came as a surprise to us all,” he said.
The minister described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a man of very high intellectual capacity, absolute loyalty, and unwavering dedication to public service, noting that he had built an enviable reputation rooted in wisdom and discipline.
“He was a man of very high intelligence, absolute loyalty, and dedication to service. He also possessed extraordinary proverbial prowess. Ewhrudjakpo was an embodiment of proverbs; whenever he spoke, wisdom flowed effortlessly,” Lokpobiri said.
According to him, the late deputy governor lived a life of integrity and modesty, adding that he was known for keeping a clean and principled public image.
“He was a man around whom there were no questionable influences. He conducted himself with honour and earned the respect of everyone. I have had the privilege of knowing him for a very long time, and his life was one of consistency and principle,” he added.
Lokpobiri noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s contributions at high-level government engagements, including meetings of the National Economic Council, were always thoughtful and impactful.
“Whenever he spoke at national meetings, his interventions were respected and appreciated. Nigeria will miss him, Bayelsa will miss him, and all of us who encountered him in one capacity or another will miss him deeply,” he said.
The minister stressed that the visit was not for elaborate tributes but to formally condole with the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the deceased.
“Today is not a day for long tributes. We came from Abuja to condole with the governor, the government, and the people of Bayelsa, and also with the family of my brother and friend. This loss is deeply painful to all of us,” Lokpobiri stated.
He prayed that God would grant eternal rest to the soul of the late deputy governor and comfort the bereaved family and the people of Bayelsa State.
Earlier, Senator Lokpobiri had convey the condolences of the President Bola Tinubu to the governor, Ewhrudjakpo Family and the people of Bayelsa State.
Responding, Governor Douye Diri thanked the visiting delegation for their show of solidarity and support at a difficult moment for the state.
The governor disclosed that the Bayelsa State Government declared three working days of mourning, which began on Friday and ended on Monday, in honour of the late deputy governor.
Governor Diri cautioned against politicising the death of Ewhrudjakpo, stressing that the moment called for unity, empathy, and collective mourning.
“Anyone who tries to politicise the death of a compatriot, a brother and a friend, does not mean well for our state. Before politics, we are Bayelsans. We are Ijaw people. We must be our brother’s keeper,” he said.
He urged citizens to remain focused on peace and development, noting that death is an inevitable reality that should inspire unity rather than division.
The governor prayed that the tragedy would not reoccur in the state or in individual families, expressing hope that the next gathering would be for celebration, development, and progress, not mourning.
The condolence visit was attended by several political leaders and stakeholders, who paid glowing tributes to the late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for his selfless service, wisdom, integrity, and enduring contributions to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.