Chairman of Tantita Nigeria Security Services Limited (TNSSL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and Bayelsa Elders Council were among the top dignitaries that visited the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa on Monday to mourn the sudden demise of the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The sympathisers were received by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, and other top government functionaries.
This was contained by a statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
Also at the Government House to commiserate with the Governor and Ewhrudjakpo family was the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe.
Tompolo was accompanied on the visit by the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Registrar of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and popular businessman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha.
Speaking on behalf of Tompolo’s delegation, Hon. Julius Pondi said the whole of Bayelsa had been thrown into mourning since last Thursday following the unfortunate demise of Ewhrudjakpo.
Ekpemupolo described Ewhrudjakpo as a very dependable ally of Governor Diri, a great public servant who gave his all and died in active service.
He urged the governor, the Ewhrudjakpo family and the people of the state to be strong and be comforted as the late deputy governor led a selfless life worthy of emulation.
While the delegation of the Bayelsa Elders Council was led by the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).
Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral John-Jonah (rtd), in his remarks, said it is almost impossible to talk about the departed Deputy Governor without being emotional.
He stated that the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death shook the foundation of the state, saying he had emptied himself before leaving, given his performance in public office.
John-Jonah described him as the engine room that never powered down but searched for results while others slept, stating that he made the burden of governance lighter by his dedication and commitment.
On their part, the INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Eme Akpa, who spoke on behalf of the INEC delegation, described the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.
“We came here with a heavy heart to condole with you and the state over the passing of your deputy. We pray God to grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear the loss,” she said.
Responding, Governor Diri said it was strange and still unbelievable that his deputy was no more.
He noted that in the history of the state, it was the first time a serving deputy governor would pass on.
He, however, stated that as painful as it was, mortals cannot question God who designated a day to be born and a day to die.
The governor said his late deputy was dependable and that the achievements of his administration were due to their harmonious working relationship, together with others in the government.
The Bayelsa helmsman equally conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who he said had phoned him to extend their sympathies.
