A wave of confusion and profound grief has swept through Bayelsa State following the announcement of the death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, by his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the absence of an official confirmation from the State Government.
The Deputy Governor reportedly collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was said to be in a critical condition.
Hours after the incident, the PDP, the platform on which Ewhrudjakpo was elected, released a statement on Thursday evening announcing his demise.
The statement, signed by the party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, confirmed the devastating news.
Ememobong said: “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.
“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 definitive statement from the PDP and subsequent reports from other state governors and media houses confirming the death, the Bayelsa State Government is yet to issue a formal declaration.
When contacted by The Cable, Daniel Alabrah, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Douye Diri, stated that an official statement would only be issued when Ewhrudjakpo’s death is officially confirmed by the appropriate authorities.
A source in the Bayelsa State Government House told Naijaonpoint correspondent that he could ‘not confirm or deny‘ the death of the Deputy Governor. The source, however, stated that an official statement would be released soon to give clarity to the news.
“We were directed not to issue any statement to the press or post on social media. You will have to wait for an official statement,” the source said.
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