Mirian Gom 
Yenagoa, Nigeria – The Bayelsa State Government declares three days of official mourning following the death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapses in his office on Thursday and later dies at a hospital in Yenagoa.
The state government orders flags in all public institutions to fly at half-mast throughout the mourning period, which takes effect immediately.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai, described the deputy governor’s passing as a “heavy blow” to Bayelsa, saying he had been actively at work hours before the sudden medical emergency.
According to the commissioner, Ewhrudjakpo collapses while heading to a scheduled meeting within the Government House complex. He is rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where doctors later confirm his death. “The government receives the news with deep regret and profound shock,” Koku-Obiyai says, adding that anxiety spreads across the state as residents await official confirmation.
Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, records decades of public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and assumes office as deputy governor in 2020.
Governor Douye Diri extends condolences to the late deputy governor’s wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ofoni community, former Governor Seriake Dickson, and the people of Bayelsa.
He declares Friday, December 12, as the start of the three working days of mourning and prays for strength for the bereaved family and the repose of Ewhrudjakpo’s soul
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Juliet Jacob