In mourning the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri declared a three-day state mourning.
The Port City News (TCPN) reported that Ewhrudjakpo died on Thursday after he reportedly slumped while performing his official duties in his office.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, said the governor also directed all flags to fly at half-mast.
Diri prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state. He wished the deputy governor’s soul eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.
The governor described the late deputy governor as an accomplished public servant who served with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and Deputy Governor since 2020.
Also see: PDP Confirms Bayelsa Deputy Governor Death
He also extended condolences to his wife, Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, Senator Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the state.
He added that Ewhrudjakpo’s death was not only painful but also a great loss to the government and people of the state and the nation. Ewhrudjakpo was 60.
“The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the governor said.
TPCN earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late deputy governor’s party described his death as deeply shocking and devastating.
