By Our Reporter
Confusion and anxiety gripped Bayelsa State on Thursday following widespread reports that Deputy Governor Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo collapsed and died earlier in the day.
Multiple sources had suggested that the deputy governor was rushed to a medical facility after he reportedly slumped, where he was said to have been in critical condition. However, the Bayelsa State Government has yet to issue any official confirmation, leaving the public in suspense.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform Ewhrudjakpo was elected, released a statement announcing his passing. Ini Ememobong, the PDP’s national spokesperson, said the party received the news “with deep shock,” describing the deputy governor as a steadfast and principled leader.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today,” the party said.
Ememobong added that the National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and members nationwide were thrown into “profound grief.”
He described Ewhrudjakpo as “an honest and consistent politician” who practiced politics of conviction and integrity. “He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments,” the party noted, praying for God to grant him eternal rest.
But while the PDP has publicly announced his death, the Bayelsa State Government remains cautious. Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, could not e reached as his phone was unavailable, but sources close to Government House, Yenagoa, said the administration would release a statement only after receiving official confirmation of the deputy governor’s true status.
Governor Diri, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 4, has not yet commented on the unfolding developments. Ewhrudjakpo, however, remained a member of the opposition PDP.