The political landscape of Bayelsa has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, a man many have described as one of the most loyal and selfless public servants of his generation. His passing on Thursday, December 11, triggered an outpouring of grief across the state and nation — but perhaps no voice has captured the weight of the loss more poignantly than that of his long-time mentor, former Governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson.
In an emotional statement, Dickson described December 11 as “one of my saddest days,” recalling how he was preparing for the screening of ambassadorial nominees at the National Assembly when he received the dreaded call about a medical emergency involving the Deputy Governor. He said he immediately contacted Ewhrudjakpo’s aides and doctors, anxiously monitoring the situation until “my worst fears were confirmed.”
The Senator, visibly shaken in his words, said he has remained heartbroken since.
“We Have Lost a Rare Gem”
Dickson paid glowing tribute to Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as “a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant” and “the best among my political mentees.”
He painted a portrait of a man who embodied humility, simplicity and service, noting that Ewhrudjakpo was an extraordinary combination of competence, intellect and loyalty — a man who remained steady even in stormy political waters.
“He was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled,” Dickson wrote, stressing that the late Deputy Governor lived a simple yet deeply impactful life.
A Relationship Forged Over Three Decades
Dickson’s tribute revealed a long, profound bond that began in the 1990s, when Ewhrudjakpo was a young union activist and Dickson a legal practitioner. He recounted how the late Deputy Governor drew inspiration from their relationship to further his studies, eventually earning a Doctorate in Law despite the pressures of public life.
Their political journey together became one of the most enduring mentor-protégé relationships in Bayelsa politics. From serving as Dickson’s Personal Assistant when he was Attorney-General, to functioning as Senior Legislative Aide in the House of Representatives, to becoming Commissioner for Works during Dickson’s eight-year governorship — Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty and hard work, Dickson said, never wavered.
“He dedicated all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession,” Dickson noted.
The partnership extended to the legislature when Dickson nominated him for Senate. It eventually culminated in his emergence as Deputy Governor — a position Dickson said he occupied with integrity and unwavering loyalty.
“He Chose Loyalty Over His Office”
One of the most striking parts of Dickson’s tribute was his revelation that Ewhrudjakpo once faced a defining moment where he had to choose between retaining his office or staying loyal to his mentor. According to Dickson, he chose loyalty — a decision that cost him dearly but one he embraced without regret.
“He went through a lot for the principled choices he made… without complaining,” Dickson said.
A Loss Too Heavy to Bear
Dickson said that beyond family members, no one felt the Deputy Governor’s death as deeply as he did.
“It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart,” he lamented. “I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.”
He extended condolences to the late politician’s widow, children — one of whom is named after him — and to the Ofoni community, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Catholic Church and all who benefited from his life of service.
Bayelsa and Nigeria Mourn
Since the passing was announced, Dickson said he has been inundated with calls and visits from across the country, a testament to the depth of Ewhrudjakpo’s influence and the lives he touched.
The family, in consultation with the state government, will announce burial arrangements in due course.
Meanwhile, Dickson urged Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of a man he described as “good to the very end,” and for strength for the bereaved family.
As Bayelsa grieves, one truth emerges unmistakably from Dickson’s heartfelt tribute:
A towering pillar of loyalty, service and humility has fallen — and his absence leaves a void that may never be filled.
