Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, accompanied by his wife, Gloria Diri, and other top government officials, visited the wife of his late deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Ewhrudjakpobdied on Thursday at the age of 60.
Diri, during the visit to the bereaved wife, Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, described his late deputy as “very resourceful, a brother, a confidant, and the heartbeat of our administration.”
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The governor praised their working relationship, emphasising that it transcended a typical superior-subordinate dynamic and was characterized by a bond of brothers and friends, though the late Deputy Governor always recognised his principal.
“Our working relationship was not that of subordinate and super subordinate. No, it was that of a brother and friend but at all times he will submit to you and recognize the fact that you are his principal,” Diri said.
The governor comforted the bereaved wife, urging her to be strong, and assured the family of the government’s unwavering backing.
Diri noted the historical significance of the loss, stating: “This is the first time a deputy governor is dying in office in the state.”
He promised the widow, “The governor and the government of Bayelsa State will stand by you and by the family.”
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Dignitaries accompanying the governor included the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rtd. Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, the Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, and the Chief of Staff, Peter Akpe, among others.
