Gov Diri orders autopsy on Bayelsa deputy governor’s death

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Diri gave the directive on Saturday while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed in his office on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Condemning the spread of misinformation on social media, Governor Diri urged Bayelsans not to politicise the deputy governor’s death. He described the reports circulating online as “a lot of nonsense” and appealed for unity and mourning.

“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death. In Ijaw land, there is no enmity in death. Let nobody politicise the death of our dearly beloved deputy governor. If anyone loves him, this is the time to show it,” he said.

Diri confirmed that the state has declared three working days of mourning and called on residents to honour the late deputy governor respectfully.

During the visit, former President Jonathan paid tribute to Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a dedicated public servant who actively contributed to the activities of his foundation.

“For me, he was somebody my foundation and I will never forget. He represented the governor in all our programmes and worked harder in the role than I did when I served as deputy governor of the state,” Jonathan said.