As thousands of mourners gathered at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall venue of the “Day of Tributes” for late Lawrence Ewhrakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State today, Dr Good luck Jonathon, former President of Nigeria has described the late deputy governor as an “extraordinary and selfless politician , who worked diligently for the good of the state.
Jonathan narrating how he felt when he heard about the passing of Ewhrudjakpo, said he was overtaken with disbelief.
He said: Lawrence Ewhrakpo was an extraordinary and selfless politician , who worked diligently for the good of the state.
” I pray for divine comfort and consolation to the family, community and the state. He will be sorely missed.”
Also in his tribute to his deputy,
Governor Douye Diri, who broke down in tears while speaking, said that many described his late deputy governor as a consummate public servant, but in him, I had a brother, friend , ally and compatriot.
Diri who quoted the elegy of David to his friend Jonathan in the Book of 2nd Samuel Chapter 1 V 26, said : “I grief for you my brother, you were joy to me , a true friend, a true brother.”
Describing his late deputy as a man of proverbs, he said that he has constituted a team to publish a compendium of his proverbs.
“You will remain in my memory, a true definition of support, workaholic, resourceful and a dependable deputy governor. I mince no words. Your labour was tireless, your integrity was uncompromising..
“His tireless work ethics, firm commitment to public service, his unshakeable loyalty to the government, friends and family will continue to inspire us. Words fail me, words cannot adequately record the depth of the loss I feel today.” He narrated.
The former governor of Bayelsa State and senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Seriake Dickson described the late deputy governor as his mentee and family member whose relationship spans over thirty years.
Dickson said: ” Ewhrudjakpo was an embodiment of service to the people. He kept and built relationships. I brought him, introduced him to politics and mentored him.We have been on a journey of service, lasted almost 30 years. I want to thank all mourners for their tribute and honour to him and his memory.”
Others who paid tributes include his family, former clasmates, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, Bayelsa caucus in the National Assembly led by Chief Fred Agbedi, Bayelsa Elders Council, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, Pan Niger Delta Forum ,PANDEF, led by Ambassador Boladei Igali, Nigeria Bar Association, NBA Yenagoa branch, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, among others.
Dignitaries who attended the “Day of Tributes” include wife of former President Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, past deputy governors and their spouses, past and present political appointees and legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, associates community leaders and a cross section of the people of the state.
Recall that the late deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrakpo
died on December 11, last year after he slumped while carrying out official duties in his office in Government House.
He will be buried in his community Ofoni in Sagbama Local Government on Friday January 30.
