The wife of Nigeria’s president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condoled with the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, during a condolence visit to Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, expressed sadness over the demise of the deputy governor, describing it as tragic.
Accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and the wife of the Minister of Works, Rachael Umahi, Senator Tinubu noted that death was an inevitable experience for all humanity.
She said, “I am short of words. I never knew I was going to Bayelsa State on a sad note. I wish we were here for another purpose.
“We are all with you, particularly the bereaved Ewhrudjakpo family at these trying times. We pray God Almighty to comfort His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri; the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo; the children; and the entire people of Bayelsa State. And may God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, also led another delegation from the service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) on a condolence visit to the Bayelsa Government House.
Adeniyi, who was recently elected president of the wrestling federation, said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s departure was hard to accept.
He said the service and the federation share in the grief of the state, as the departed deputy governor was not only a friend but also a trusted ally of the governor who supervised the Ministry of Sports, which made their paths cross.
“As a board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, our intention was to come and introduce ourselves to you and share our programs. Importantly, we were to kickstart our National Wrestling Classic organized in Your Excellency’s honor. But as a mark of respect for the departed, the board has decided to postpone this event indefinitely until the funeral is concluded.”
Responding, Governor Douye Diri expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, whom he said had earlier called to sympathize with him.
He stated that the government and people of the state, as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family, were honored to have a delegation from the presidency to identify with them in their moment of grief.
The Bayelsa governor eulogized his late deputy, saying he was a very active participant in the running of the government.
“My deputy was part of the active four wheels of the machinery of government in this state. That was why I sent him to represent me whenever I was indisposed. He represented me severally at National Economic Council meetings.
“Ewhrudjakpo was a consummate public servant. Bayelsa has lost a son; one of the strong pillars of our government is gone.”
While thanking the Customs CG for the visit, he acknowledged and appreciated his role in facilitating the clearing of the state’s gas turbines at the seaport following a presidential duty waiver.
The governor disclosed that six of the eight turbine units had been installed, while the remaining two units were expected at the Lagos port in a few days, and that the state would again require the CG’s support.
He noted that the delayed arrival of the machines had slowed the completion of the state independent power project by the end of December.
The First Lady’s delegation and that of the CG thereafter visited the wife of the deputy governor, Barr. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at their official residence.
