Former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has expressed profound sorrow over the circumstances of his first visit to the state's Government House since leaving office in 2020. His return to Creek Haven in Yenagoa on Tuesday was solely to condole the state over the death of Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, an event he described as deeply personal and heartbreaking.
A Sombre and Unexpected Return
Accompanied by his wife, Professor Rachael Dickson, and a large delegation of political associates, Senator Dickson addressed Governor Douye Diri and other mourners. He revealed the emotional difficulty of the visit, stating that the news of Ewhrudjakpo's passing on December 11, 2025, had left him shattered.
"On a nostalgic, historic note, let me say that this particular visit leaves a very sour taste in my mouth," Dickson said. "I would have preferred since handing over in 2020 to you that I visited here on a happy occasion. But my very first visit in this conference hall and to this Government House is on a very sombre and sad note."
He emphasized the sudden and unexpected nature of the loss, which delayed his visit. "This was one death that broke me. It was unexpected, sudden, and the profundity of the loss was enormous," the former governor added.
Paying Tribute to a Political Ally and Builder
Dickson used the occasion to eulogize the late deputy governor's significant contributions to Bayelsa State. He highlighted Ewhrudjakpo's sterling record in public service, particularly his tenure as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.
"Everyone here knows what Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo did in public service and what he stood for," Dickson stated. He poignantly noted the irony of paying his respects within the very Government House edifice that Ewhrudjakpo supervised its construction. "Stepping here, my mind flashed back to some of the key infrastructure projects he drove as commissioner and where I have to pay this condolence visit here in this edifice that stands to his name."
Dickson marked the event as a historic first for the state, being the first time a sitting deputy governor has died in office.
A Call for Unity in a Time of Grief
While condoling Governor Diri, the state government, the Ewhrudjakpo family, and the entire people of Bayelsa, Senator Dickson issued a heartfelt plea. He urged all Bayelsans and the political class to set aside differences and unite during this challenging period, irrespective of political affiliations.
In his response, Governor Douye Diri thanked his predecessor for summoning the courage to make the visit. He acknowledged the shared weight of the grief, stating that Ewhrudjakpo's death had a direct and huge impact on him, Dickson, and the deceased's immediate family.
"I thank you sir for summoning the courage to move to Bayelsa. This is a loss that affects you," Governor Diri said. "That is why in my condolence message, after acknowledging the government, the family, and the people, I also acknowledged you because I understand how you feel."
The condolence visit underscores the deep personal and political bonds within Bayelsa's leadership and marks a moment of collective mourning for the state.
