Dickson: Late Bayelsa governor was best among my political mentees

Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, has left him “saddened and heartbroken”, describing the late deputy governor as his “best” political understudy.

Dickson, a former governor of the state, said Ewhrudjakpor has been his associate for nearly three decades.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Dickson said he was preparing to attend the senate screening of ambassadorial nominees when he received a call about a medical emergency involving Ewhrudjakpor.

The senator said he returned home to monitor the situation until confirmation of the deputy governor’s death.

“Yesterday, December 11, will remain one of my saddest days. I was already gearing up to be part of the screening of the ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs when I received a call about the medical emergency involving His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. I spoke with his aides and the doctors, then left abruptly and came home to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed,” the senator wrote.

“I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.

“Dr. Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness.

“He proved himself, especially at difficult times, as a politician of principle and conviction I had mentored him to be over the years. He exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact. Ewhrudjakpor was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled.

“Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist and I, a legal practitioner. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost 8years, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.

“Then I nominated him to run for the Senate representing our Senatorial District, Bayelsa West, which he won. Later, I nominated him and the current Governor, who were then Senators. I pulled them out as Governor and Deputy Governorship candidates respectively. As Deputy Governor, Dr.Ewhrudjakpor remained dutiful and loyal.

“He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining. There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service—the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.

“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least.”

Dickson said the family would announce the funeral arrangements in consultation with the state government.

He urged the public to pray for the peaceful repose of Ewhrudjakpor’s soul and for strength for the family.