Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, describing the loss as devastating and irreplaceable.
In a heartfelt tribute on Thursday, Dickson said December 11 would remain one of the saddest days of his life, recounting how he received news of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency while preparing to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees at the National Assembly.
“I spoke with his aides and the doctors, then left abruptly to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed,” Dickson said. “I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed.”
The former governor described the late deputy governor as a selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant, noting that beyond public service, he had lost a trusted mentee and confidant.
“Dr. Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees — a rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness,” Dickson said, adding that the late deputy governor exemplified principled leadership and simplicity with profound impact.
Dickson traced Ewhrudjakpor’s public service journey from the 1990s, when he took him under his mentorship as a union activist, through his service as personal assistant at the Ministry of Justice, senior legislative aide in the House of Representatives, and later as Commissioner for Works for nearly eight years.
According to him, Ewhrudjakpor played a key role in delivering landmark infrastructure projects across Bayelsa State, even during periods of economic recession. He was later nominated by Dickson to contest and win the Bayelsa West Senatorial seat before being selected as deputy governorship candidate alongside the current governor.
“As Deputy Governor, Dr. Ewhrudjakpor remained dutiful and loyal,” Dickson said. “Even when forced to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose principle and paid a heavy price for it, yet served without complaint.”
Dickson noted that Ewhrudjakpor’s open-door policy, emotional stability and commitment to service left a lasting impact across the state, adding that his death has created a void that would be difficult to fill.
“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family,” he said. “I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.”
The former governor extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpor’s wife and children, his extended family, the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church — where the late deputy governor was a devout member and Knight — as well as the government and people of Bayelsa State.
He disclosed that funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in consultation with the state government and urged Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of Ewhrudjakpor’s soul and for strength for his family.
“While we are devastated by this untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end,” Dickson said.
