February 01, (THEWILL) — The late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was on Friday laid to rest at his country home in Ofoni Federated Communities, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state. President Bola Tinubu represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas represented by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, were among the dignitaries that graced the funeral service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni.
Speaking during the service, President Tinubu said Ewhrudjakpo’s demise was a huge loss not only to the state but to the country at large given his legacy of service.
The President stated that the late deputy governor left an indelible mark on the sands of time and that posterity will be kind to him.
While expressing condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the government and people of Bayelsa, Tinubu urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a good life. He also stated that Ewhrudjakpo fought a good fight and prayed God to comfort his family and all those affected by his death. His words: “I bring you greetings and heartfelt condolences from Mr. President, who would have been here but he is on a state visit to Turkey. “Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will always judge everybody. “By this standard, we can comfortably say that Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service.”
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that Ewhrudjakpo’s death was a bitter pill to swallow but that as Christians, those affected should give thanks to God in line with the bibilical teaching that urges believers to thank God in all things. Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo as a good man, saying it is rare for people to speak so highly of a politician that rose to the position of deputy governor.
The former President also said the late Ewhrudjakpo impacted the lives of all those who came in contact with him positively and prayed that God will provide another person for the people of Ofoni to fill his shoes.
He said: “As Christians, we say in all things we give thanks to God. Even at that, certain things happen and you find it difficult to thank God. The death of Lawrence is one of these. “Everyone speaks good of Lawrence. He was a good man who related well with people. It is very difficult to find a politician who rose to the position of deputy governor to be well spoken of in this manner.” Also, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described the passing of his deputy as a harsh reality that was impossible to ignore but said God who took him cannot be questioned.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
