Diri pays tribute to late deputy, describes him as trusted friend

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a close friend and trusted partner, saying he never regarded or treated him as a subordinate.

Governor Diri stated this on Friday night while leading a delegation of state legislators and top government officials to commiserate with the family of the late deputy governor at the official residence in Government House, Yenagoa.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor expressed shock over Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death on December 11, noting that they shared a long-standing and cordial working relationship.

Diri recalled that their partnership began during the administration of former Governor Seriake Dickson, where they worked together for eight years, and continued seamlessly into his own government.

According to the governor, their relationship was built on mutual respect, trust, and friendship, which reflected in the smooth running of government during their time together.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, describing the late deputy governor as a loyal ally, dedicated public servant, and dependable leader whose contributions to Bayelsa State would be deeply missed.