Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has paid tribute to the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, describing him as an “irreplaceable mentee” and a public servant of uncommon discipline and loyalty.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dickson said he received news of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency on Wednesday, December 11, while preparing to participate in the screening of ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
He said he immediately contacted the deputy governor’s aides and doctors before returning home to follow developments, which later ended in confirmation of his death.
Dickson said Ewhrudjakpor’s passing was a great personal and public loss, noting that the deputy governor was one of the most accomplished individuals to emerge from his long years of political mentorship.
According to the former governor, their association dated back to the 1990s, when Ewhrudjakpor was a union activist and he was practising law.
He said he encouraged Ewhrudjakpor to pursue further education, a path that culminated in a doctorate degree in law, even while holding demanding public offices.
Dickson recalled that Ewhrudjakpor served in several capacities under him, including as personal assistant during his tenure as Attorney-General, senior legislative aide when he was in the House of Representatives, and later as Commissioner for Works for nearly eight years.
According to him, Ewhrudjakpor oversaw major infrastructure projects across Bayelsa State during a period rocked by economic recession.
Dickson also recounted nominating Ewhrudjakpor to contest and win the Bayelsa West senatorial seat, before later selecting him as deputy governorship candidate alongside the current governor.
He disclosed Ewhrudjakpor remained dutiful and loyal throughout his time in office, even when faced with political pressures that tested his principles.
The senator described the late deputy governor as intellectually formidable, emotionally stable and committed to a simple life of service, adding that his open-door approach left a lasting impact across Bayelsa State.
In addition, Dickson extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpor’s wife, children, extended family, the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church, and the Bayelsa State Government and people.
He said funeral arrangements would be announced by the family in consultation with the state government.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor served as Bayelsa State Deputy Governor until his death.
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