The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a solemn step by suspending all planned inaugurations of completed projects across the region. This decision is a mark of respect for the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11.
A Condolence Visit and a Postponed Agenda
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, made the announcement on Tuesday, December 16. He disclosed this during a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri and the bereaved Ewhrudjakpo family at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The commission was scheduled to begin its end-of-year project commissioning on that very Tuesday. The first project on the list was the inauguration of a 700-bed President Bola Tinubu Hostel at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amassoma, Bayelsa State.
Dr. Ogbuku explained that this exercise, along with all other lined-up inaugurations, has been put on hold indefinitely. The suspension honours both the late deputy governor and the Bayelsa State Government, which is currently in a state of mourning.
High-Profile Tributes Pour In
The NDDC was not alone in paying respects. A high-powered delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, also visited the Bayelsa Government House. Senator Lokpobiri conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu, describing the news of Ewhrudjakpo's death as both shocking and saddening.
The minister praised the deceased for his great service to Bayelsa State and humanity. "We learnt a lot from his proverbs and wisdom," Lokpobiri said, adding that the state and the country would miss his invaluable contributions.
Furthermore, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by its National Chairman, Dr. Boladei Igali, paid a condolence visit. Dr. Igali expressed deep shock at the passing and highlighted the exceptional working relationship between Governor Diri and his deputy, which he said was "the envy of all Nigeria."
Bayelsa's Response and Call for Unity
Responding on behalf of the state and the family, Governor Douye Diri expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support. He specifically thanked President Tinubu for his personal concern, which included a phone call and an official condolence message.
The governor also commended the NDDC's Managing Director for his thoughtful gesture and words of comfort. Governor Diri emphasised the critical need for unity among the state's political leaders during this difficult period.
The NDDC's action underscores the deep impact of Senator Ewhrudjakpo's death and the high regard in which he was held across the Niger Delta region and the nation at large.
