Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed in office on Thursday and was pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Speaking on Saturday while hosting former President Goodluck Jonathan, Diri condemned social media speculation about the death and urged residents not to politicize the tragedy.
“I want to make an appeal. I have seen people politicise his death… If anyone loves him, this is the time to show it,” Diri said. He also announced three working days of mourning across the state and asked that tributes focus on mourning rather than political commentary. “Let us love one another to the point of death because all of us will answer this call one day,” he added.
Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo as hardworking and dedicated, noting that he often went beyond his duties as deputy governor. “For me, he was somebody my foundation and I will never forget… He appeared not to rest. This even is a lesson for us all to find time to rest,” Jonathan said, praying for the state and the deputy governor’s family to be comforted.