“Bayelsa Late Deputy Governor Barely Rested” – Jonathan
..gov orders autopsy on late deputy governor amid social media speculation
Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has ordered a medical autopsy on his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to ascertain the actual cause of his sudden death.
The governor gave the directive on Saturday at the Government House in Yenagoa while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the Ewhrudjakpo family.
Diri said the decision became necessary due to widespread speculation and misinformation surrounding the deputy governor’s death on social media.
Ewhrudjakpo was reported to have slumped in his office at the Government House around 1.30 pm on Friday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead at the Intensive Care Unit.
During the visit, Diri cautioned against politicising the death of his deputy, describing such actions as insensitive and disrespectful. He urged the public to focus on honouring the late deputy governor’s service to the state rather than spreading unverified claims.
Governor Diri said he had approved the autopsy to put an end to rumours surrounding the death. He noted that Bayelsa State was officially in mourning, having declared three working days of mourning in honour of the late deputy governor.
Former President Jonathan, who was also a former deputy governor of Bayelsa State, described the death as a painful loss to the state and its people.
He recalled Ewhrudjakpo’s commitment and dedication, particularly his consistent representation of the Bayelsa State Government at programmes organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation within and outside Nigeria.
Jonathan described the late deputy governor as humble and hardworking, noting that he barely rested. He said the incident served as a reminder of the importance of balancing service with personal wellbeing.
Governor Diri thanked the former president for being the first to officially condole with the government and the family of the deceased. He appealed to Bayelsans to remain united and peaceful during the mourning period, stressing that death should not be a subject of division.
After the condolence visit, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan proceeded to the residence of the late deputy governor within the Government House to sympathise with his wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other family members.