Reports of the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, have thrown the state into uncertainty, with conflicting accounts leaving residents and political observers bewildered. Eyewitnesses say that Ewhrudjakpo collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was reportedly in critical condition.
However, later on Thursday evening, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), through its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, announced that the party had received “with deep shock” news of the deputy governor’s passing.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today,” the statement read.
The PDP described Ewhrudjakpo as an honest and principled politician, praising his steadfastness and integrity:
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle. He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
Despite the PDP’s announcement — the party platform on which Ewhrudjakpo was elected — the Bayelsa State Government has not issued an official confirmation of his death. When contacted by journalists, Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, said a statement would be released once the deputy governor’s death is officially confirmed.
The situation is further complicated by recent political shifts in the state. Governor Diri defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), on November 4, nearly a month after leaving the PDP, while Ewhrudjakpo remained loyal to the opposition party, fueling speculation about potential political tensions in the state.
Reactions and Concerns
Residents and political observers have expressed bewilderment at the silence from the government. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for clarification and updates on the deputy governor’s condition.
Meanwhile, national leaders and party members mourn Ewhrudjakpo’s loss and commend his unwavering dedication to public service.
The death of a deputy governor has constitutional and political implications, including questions about succession and continuity in governance. With the PDP’s announcement and the government’s silence, attention now turns to whether Governor Diri or other state officials will formally address the state and provide clarity on the situation.
As the state grapples with this uncertain moment, Bayelsa residents and political watchers are left in suspense, waiting for official confirmation and the next steps in the state’s political landscape.
