By THE Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been confirmed died.
The announcement was made late Thursday night by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who also serves as Chair of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Stonix News had earlier reported that Mr Ewhrudjakpo collapsed in his office on Thursday afternoon and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he later died.
In a condolence statement, Governor Abiodun described the news as “deeply sorrowful” and a profound shock.
“We submit to the will of the Almighty God, who has chosen to call him home at this time,” he said.
He extended condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the government and people of Bayelsa State, as well as the family and friends of the late deputy governor.
“There is no doubt that Bayelsa State and Nigeria have lost a gem. We take comfort in the fact that he lived a life of service to humanity and made meaningful impact on those around him,” he added.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also confirmed the deputy governor’s death in a statement issued on Thursday night.
National spokesperson, Hon. Ini Ememobong, described the development as “devastating and an inexplicable loss”.
He said the National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and the entire party membership—particularly in Bayelsa State—were in deep grief.
Mr Ememobong described Mr Ewhrudjakpo as “a faithful party man” and “a consistent politician of principle”.
Mr Ewhrudjakpo had chosen to remain in the PDP even after his principal, Governor Diri, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last month.
His refusal to follow the governor had fuelled speculations of moves to remove him from office.
The PDP hailed him as “a hero of political integrity” and prayed for the repose of his soul.
As of Thursday night, the Bayelsa State Government had not issued an official statement on the deputy governor’s passing.
Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, were unsuccessful.
