THE Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has ordered all members of the State Executive Council to undergo compulsory medical examinations following the sudden death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The directive was issued during a cabinet meeting today in Yenagoa, where the governor instructed the Commissioner for Health, Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure full compliance by all cabinet members.
Diri explained that the move was necessary given the demanding nature of public office, stressing that regular medical check-ups are essential to maintaining fitness and preventing avoidable deaths.
While acknowledging that death is inevitable, the governor said proactive health measures could help promote longevity and overall wellbeing. He disclosed that an autopsy had been conducted on the late deputy governor and noted that the findings would be released at an appropriate time.
Diri also warned against politicising Ewhrudjakpo’s death, describing such actions as insensitive. He announced that a burial committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, had been inaugurated, with burial arrangements to be communicated soon.
Reflecting on the tragedy, the governor urged public officials to take their health seriously. He thanked sympathisers for their support and expressed hope that 2026 would be a year of celebration rather than mourning.
Ewhrudjakpo collapsed and died on December 11, 2025, an incident that shocked the state and sparked widespread public concern. Questions surrounding the circumstances of his death led the state government to order an autopsy to determine the cause.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health presented Governor Diri with an award plaque and a symbolic cheque of $400,000 after Bayelsa emerged first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South-South region. The initiative was supported by UNICEF, the Dangote Group and other international partners.
Commending the achievement, Diri described it as the state’s most significant award to date, attributing the success to sustained investment in the health sector and the performance of the health commissioner.
Brisibe, in turn, credited the recognition to the governor’s commitment to healthcare development and also presented him with a Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance for his contributions to the nursing and midwifery profession in Bayelsa and Nigeria.