Since Wednesday, 28 January, we have been in Bayelsa State to participate in the funeral activities of Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the late Deputy Governor of our State. I attended the Day of Tributes held in his honour and a court valedictory session the following day, Thursday. In the evening of that same day, I attended the Vigil Mass. Friday, I attended the funeral Mass in Ofoni, his country home, and joined the family and clergy to commit him to Mother Earth.
As I stated in my remarks, this period of grief gave us an opportunity to fully appreciate the impact of his life of service—an impact that was previously known to me and only a few others, but which is now acknowledged by all in Bayelsa and across Nigeria.
I thank everyone who played a role in the successful funeral activities and interment. I thank the Governor and the Government of Bayelsa State, which he served loyally until the end and which he served for several years in different capacities. I appreciate the funeral arrangements made in his honour.
I also thank our father and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and his dear wife, who attended most of the events, including the funeral mass at Ofoni. I thank all the elders and leaders who went with me.
Before leaving today, I had the honour of receiving my friend and brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, as well as the National Chairman of PANDEF and his team, who all came to condole with me first before proceeding to the funeral at Ofoni. I thank all of them.
I also thank those who visited me to offer their condolences, those who called repeatedly, and those who extended the same courtesies to the Governor and the state government. I appreciate all who came from far and near to honour E-Lawrenzi.
His passing is a very serious blow; I have not felt this depth of loss since the death of my mother. These condolence visits helped to lighten the burden on the family. I enjoin all to continue to pray for him and to remember the young family he left behind -whom I have adopted as my own.
May God grant his soul eternal rest and give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Signed
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson
