The Forum of Deputy Governors of Nigeria has paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to express commiserations.
The eight man delegation led by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai was at the Government House, Yenagoa and met with Governor Douye Diri and family of the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo, condoling with his wife, Beatrice and elder brother, Christopher.
The visiting Deputy Governors took turns to sign a condolence register in honour of the departed Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai who spoke on behalf of the Forum said the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was received with shock, describing him as loyal to colleagues and friends and active in the comity of Deputy Governors.
Mr. Osai who stated that the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo confirmed he had a warm relationship with his principal stated that his death was a big loss to Bayelsa and the Forum of Deputy Governors of Nigeria, expressing deep sympathy to his family and the Government of the State.
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who was joined by his colleagues from Benue, Dr. Sam Ode, Akwa Ibom, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Delta, Sir Monday Onyeme, Rivers, Professor Ngozi Odu, Ebonyi, Princess Patricia Obila, Imo, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru and Edo, Mr. Dennis Idahosa presented a cheque of fifty million Naira to the family of Senator Ewhrudjakpo on behalf of the Forum.
In a response, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State while appreciating the Deputy Governors for the visit described Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as a dependable ally with whom he had a very cordial personal relationship with from when he was Commissioner for Works while he was Principal Secretary and Chief of Staff to then Governor Seriake Dickson and when both of them became Senators.
Governor Diri announced that the State Burial Committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayawei had informed him that the funeral of the late Deputy Governor had been fixed for the 29th and 30th of this month.
The delegation of the Deputy Governors Forum of Nigeria later signed the condolence register at the Government House and visited the wife of Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Beatrice and his elder brother, Christopher at his official residence.
