Bayelsa State government yesterday declared three days mourning for the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.
During the mourning period which commenced yesterday, all flags are to fly at half mast.
The deputy governor, who is serving his second term, died on Thursday at the age of 60.
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.
There was palpable tension in Creek Haven, the Bayelsa seat of power on Thursday after Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.
The statement reads: “His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.
“Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the state with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.
“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, His Excellency, Senator Henry Dickson and all citizens of the state.
“Consequently, Governor Diri has declared a state mourning for three working days in honour of the late deputy governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12. All flags are to fly at half-mast,”.
The governor prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire state.
