By Deborah Coker
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Tuesday, mourned Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Ewhrudjakpo was reported to have died on Dec. 11, after he slumped in his office in the government house, Yenagoa.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Global President, INC briefing news men in Abuja, said the organisation has received the devastating news of the sudden transition of the deputy governor.
“We received the devastating news of the sudden transition of our son, brother, and a steadfast political leader, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa.
“Sen. Ewhrudjakpo was a dependable ally in governance, a workaholic, and a deeply resourceful political juggernaut.
“His journey; serving as commissioner, senator, and deputy governor was a testament to an accomplished public servant dedicated to the development of his state and the upliftment of our people.
“In him, we have lost a trusted and faithful political figure who understood that politics must be practiced with principle, honesty, and consistency.
“At a time when our nation grapples with the erosion of democratic values, the passing of a man of his calibre is a stark reminder of the quality of leadership we must continuously strive to uphold.
“His death is a painful and irreplaceable loss, not just to Bayelsa but to the entire Ijaw nation and Nigeria.”
The INC global president also described the late Ewhrudjakpo death as a national loss.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and all organs of the INC, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, his beloved wife and children, the Federated Ofoni Community, and the Tarakiri Kingdom.
“We share directly in your pain. Our condolences also go to his friend, brother, and principal, Gov. Douye Diri, Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson (former governor and senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District), the entire Bayelsa Executive Council, and the good people of Bayelsa.
“We commiserate with the Bayelsa Government and fully support the period of official mourning.
“We pray that the Almighty God grants the soul of our departed son eternal rest and grants his family, the government and people of Bayelsa the fortitude to bear this immense loss.
“Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has finished his race. We are comforted by the indelible marks he has left on the sands of time in Bayelsa.
“Rest in peace, our dear son and leader,” Okaba added.
(NAN)