Former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, has been described as an exemplary public servant whose sudden passing has left a deep void in the state and beyond. His death on December 11 has continued to draw emotional tributes from those who worked closely with him.
In a heartfelt reflection, a long time mentor and senior political figure recounted how the news reached him just as he prepared for the screening of ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. After receiving calls about the medical emergency, he contacted the deputy governor’s aides and doctors, before rushing home to monitor the situation. Hours later, his worst fears were confirmed.
He described the late Ewhrudjakpor as one of the most loyal, honest and dedicated individuals he had ever mentored, calling his death a personal and painful loss. According to him, the former deputy governor represented a rare blend of competence, intellect, humility and unwavering commitment to public service.
Their relationship dated back to the 1990s, when Ewhrudjakpor was a young union activist and he was practising law. Over the years, he encouraged him to pursue further education, a journey that later led the late politician to earn a doctorate in Law despite his busy career.
Ewhrudjakpor went on to serve in various capacities under his mentorship. He worked as personal assistant when his mentor held the office of Attorney General, as senior legislative aide when he was in the House of Representatives, and as Commissioner for Works during an eight year period marked by significant infrastructural development across Bayelsa State, even at the height of economic recession.
His mentor later nominated him for the Senate seat representing Bayelsa West and eventually supported his emergence as deputy governor. Throughout his service, Ewhrudjakpor was described as humble, dependable and steadfast, even during moments when political pressure threatened his position.
He remained loyal and principled, consistently upholding the values he had been taught: service to God, service to humanity, and to oneself the least. His mentor emphasised that the late deputy governor never betrayed trust and maintained an open door approach that endeared him to many.
Expressing profound grief, he noted that only the immediate family could feel the loss more deeply than he does. He said it would be nearly impossible to find anyone capable of filling the emotional and leadership void left behind.
He extended condolences to the widow, children, extended family, Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, and all who knew and admired the late deputy governor. He acknowledged the outpouring of calls and visits since the tragedy, which he said captured the widespread impact of Ewhrudjakpor’s life of service.
The family, in consultation with the state government, will announce funeral arrangements. He appealed to the public to pray for the peaceful rest of the departed and strength for the family and all who mourn him.
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