Gov Diri Commends NDDC For Suspending Project Inauguration As Bayelsa Mourns

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for suspending its scheduled project inauguration in solidarity with the state as it mourns the passing of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Diri expressed his appreciation during a condolence visit from a delegation of the NDDC, led by Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, at the Government House in Yenagoa.

In a statement released by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director of Corporate Affairs, the NDDC delegation included Executive Director of Projects Dr. Victor Antai, Executive Director of Corporate Services Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa, and other Directors of the Commission.

Governor Diri praised his late deputy as a dependable partner, emphasising that the achievements of his administration were due to their strong working relationship.

He acknowledged the outpouring of support from across the country, noting that President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had both called to extend their condolences.

The governor remarked that the condolence visits highlighted the widespread respect and admiration for the late Ewhrudjakpo and underscored the profound sense of loss felt across the state and beyond.

Governor Diri cautioned against politicising Ewhrudjakpo’s death, urging the public to honour the mourning period and respect the sentiments of the state.

He appealed to the public to avoid speculation and instead celebrate the life and service of the late deputy governor, who served Bayelsa State with dedication and commitment.

Earlier, NDDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samuel Ogbuku described the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose commitment to duty and service to the state were exemplary.

Ogbuku stated, “We are here to offer our condolences to you and the state over the passing of your deputy. We came as a team because we have developed a strong partnership with the Bayelsa State Government. Over the years, we have built a good relationship with the governors of the Niger Delta states.”

He continued, “We were scheduled to commission the NDDC 650-bed hostel complex at the Niger Delta University in Ammassoma today. However, out of respect for the late Deputy Governor and the state, we decided to suspend all commissioning plans.”

The NDDC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the state government during this period of mourning. “We all know the strong relationship you shared with the late deputy governor. You both drew from your extensive experiences as Senators and collaborated here in the Government of Bayelsa State,” he said.

Ogbuku highlighted the late Deputy Governor’s remarkable contributions in various capacities, particularly as Commissioner for Works in Bayelsa State and as Senator representing Bayelsa West in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He emphasized that the late Deputy Governor “consistently demonstrated competence, vision, and an unwavering passion for the progress of his people. His life was characterized by service, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.”

Ogbuku encouraged Governor Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the people of Bayelsa State to remain strong and find solace in the fact that the late deputy governor led a selfless life worthy of emulation.