Senator Dickson Mourns Passing Of Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor

Bayelsa West Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has expressed deep sorrow following the unexpected death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.

In a heartfelt press statement made public on Thursday evening, Dickson recounted the emotional turmoil he experienced upon learning of Ewhrudjakpor’s medical emergency while preparing for an ambassadorial nominee screening as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“It is one of my saddest days,” Dickson stated, recalling the moment he received news that would soon lead to the confirmation of Ewhrudjakpor’s death. “I was heartbroken then, and I remain heartbroken now. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest, and loyal public servant,” he lamented.

Dickson described Ewhrudjakpor—who he personally mentored for over two decades—as an irreplaceable figure characterised by “formidable intellect” and emotional maturity.

“He demonstrated a rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty, and selflessness,” he said, noting that Ewhrudjakpor’s commitment to public service was unwavering, even during difficult times.

The senator fondly remembered their early days together in the 1990s when Ewhrudjakpor started as a union activist under Dickson’s guidance as a legal practitioner. “He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree, which he took all the way to a Doctorate while balancing his busy career,” Dickson explained.

Ewhrudjakpor served in various capacities, including as Dickson’s personal assistant during his tenure as Attorney General and later as his Senior Legislative Aide in the House of Representatives. As Commissioner for Works under Dickson’s governorship, he dedicated nearly eight years to executing significant infrastructure projects across the state, regardless of the economic challenges facing the region.

Dickson praised Ewhrudjakpor’s unwavering loyalty, recounting a pivotal moment when the deputy governor had to choose between his office and his allegiance to Dickson. “He chose loyalty, going through immense personal trials as he served dutifully for nearly six years,” he said.

In his statement, Dickson reflected on the profound impact Ewhrudjakpor had on the people of Bayelsa and beyond, emphasising the loss felt by all who knew him. “It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him,” he noted.

Despite the overwhelming grief, Dickson urged the public to celebrate Ewhrudjakpor’s legacy of dedicated service, maintaining that his life was an embodiment of the creed he instilled in all his mentees: “Man’s service is service to God, with to ourselves the least.”

As Bayelsa grieves the loss of a devoted leader, Senator Dickson concluded his statement with a poignant reminder of Ewhrudjakpor’s enduring legacy: “While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, and principled service. He will be sorely missed.”