The Government of Bayelsa State has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for suspending its scheduled project inauguration in solidarity with the government and people of Bayelsa State following the death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri made the commendation when a high-powered NDDC delegation, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, paid him a condolence visit at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The NDDC delegation included the Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai; the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde; the Bayelsa State representative on the NDDC Board, Dimaro Denyanbofa; and other directors of the commission.
Governor Diri described his late deputy as a dependable partner, noting that the successes of his administration were largely a result of their harmonious working relationship. He said Ewhrudjakpo’s commitment, loyalty, and sense of duty contributed immensely to governance and development in the state.
The governor acknowledged the outpouring of support and sympathy from across the country, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, had personally called to express their condolences.
He said the visits underscored the wide respect and admiration the late deputy governor commanded and reflected the deep sense of loss felt within and beyond Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri cautioned against politicising Ewhrudjakpo’s death, urging the public to respect the state’s mourning period. He appealed for restraint, calling on citizens to avoid speculation and instead celebrate the life, service, and legacy of the late deputy governor, whom he described as a committed public servant.
Earlier, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described the late Ewhrudjakpo as an outstanding leader whose dedication to duty and service to Bayelsa State were exemplary. He said the commission’s visit was to condole with the governor, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the people of the state.
Ogbuku disclosed that the commission had shelved the commissioning of the NDDC 650-bed hostel complex at Niger Delta University, Ammassoma, as a mark of respect for the late deputy governor and in recognition of the state’s mourning period.
“We were supposed to commission the project today, but because Bayelsa State is mourning, we decided to suspend all commissioning activities. This is our way of showing respect for the departed deputy governor and solidarity with the state,” he said.
The NDDC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting the Bayelsa State Government, noting the strong partnership built over the years. He recalled the cordial political relationship between Governor Diri and the late Ewhrudjakpo, both as former senators and as leaders of the state.
Ogbuku highlighted Ewhrudjakpo’s distinguished public service, particularly his roles as Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State and as Senator representing Bayelsa West in the 9th Senate, where he contributed significantly to infrastructure development and legislative progress.
He described the late deputy governor as a man of competence, vision, and unwavering passion for the advancement of his people, urging the governor, the bereaved family, and the people of Bayelsa State to continue honouring his legacy.
PIAK