Former Governor of Bayelsa State and serving Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as “painful, devastating and irreplaceable.”
In an emotional tribute on Friday, Senator Dickson recounted receiving news of the Deputy Governor’s medical emergency on 11 December while preparing for the Senate screening of ambassadorial nominees. Despite efforts to monitor the situation, he said his worst fears were later confirmed.
Dickson paid glowing tribute to the late Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as one of his most loyal, disciplined and accomplished mentees. He praised the deceased for his “selfless, dedicated, honest and principled” approach to public service, noting that he embodied the values of humility, loyalty and integrity throughout his political career.
According to Dickson, his relationship with the late Deputy Governor dates back to the 1990s when Ewhrudjakpo was a union activist and he, a legal practitioner. Their bond, he said, grew stronger over the decades, with Ewhrudjakpo serving in various capacities including Personal Assistant when Dickson was Attorney General, Senior Legislative Aide during his time in the House of Representatives, and later Commissioner for Works during his eight-year tenure as governor.
Dickson recalled nominating Ewhrudjakpo to the Senate and subsequently for the position of Deputy Governor, where he said the deceased served with distinction, loyalty and resilience—even in difficult political moments.
“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family,” Dickson said, adding that the Deputy Governor’s passing had created a void “in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, and of all humanity that encountered him.”
He extended condolences to the widow of the late Deputy Governor, their children, the Ofoni community, the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, and the government and people of Bayelsa State.
Dickson noted that the overwhelming calls and visits he had received since the incident reflected the impact of Ewhrudjakpo’s life of service.
He added that the family, in consultation with the state government, will announce funeral arrangements in due course and urged the public to pray for the repose of the deceased and for strength for his family.
