Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically establish the cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, at the age of 60.
The governor issued the directive while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Governor Diri cautioned against the politicisation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, especially on social media, urging the public to respect the ongoing mourning period. In a statement released on Sunday by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, the governor appealed to residents to avoid speculation and instead focus on honouring the life and service of the late deputy governor, whom he described as a loyal and dedicated public servant.
According to the governor, the autopsy was ordered to dispel rumours and put an end to public speculation surrounding the circumstances of the death.
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to ascertain the cause of his death. There is too much misinformation on social media. If people wish to issue statements, let them be limited to tributes and allow us to mourn, as the state is currently in a mourning mood,” Diri said.
He added that the state government had declared three working days of mourning in honour of the late deputy governor and called on residents to show solidarity, as demonstrated by the former president.
Earlier, former President Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo’s passing as a painful loss to Bayelsa State, recalling his unwavering support for programmes organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Foundation.
“He was someone my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor at all our events,” Jonathan said, noting that Ewhrudjakpo carried out similar responsibilities both within and outside Nigeria.
Jonathan praised the late deputy governor as humble, hardworking and widely respected, adding that his commitment to duty should serve as a lesson to those in public office.
Following the condolence visit, Governor Diri and former President Jonathan also paid a visit to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at their residence within the Government House complex.
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