Confusion has surrounded reports announcing the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor of Bayelsa state.
Earlier on Thursday, Ewhrudjakpo collapsed and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, the state’s capital.
The deputy governor was said to have been in a critical condition at the medical facility.
However, in a statement on Thursday evening, Ini Ememobong, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), spokesperson, said the party received “with deep shock” the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing.
“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 statement reads.
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practised politics with principle.
“He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
Despite the PDP’s statement, on whose platform the deputy governor was elected, the Bayelsa state government has not issued an official statement on his reported passing.
When TheCable reached out to Daniel Alabrah, chief press secretary (CPS) to Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, he said a statement would be issued when Ewhrudjakpo’s death is confirmed.
Diri joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 4—almost a month after leaving the PDP. But Ewhrudjakpo remained in the opposition party.
