The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Monday received more sympathisers at the Government House, Yenagoa.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said among the condolence visitors were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe; the Bayelsa Elders Council, led by the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); as well as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The Ekpemupolo delegation included a House of Representatives member, Julius Pondi; the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro; and businessman Matthew Tonlagha.

The INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs Eme Akpa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.

“We came here with heavy hearts to condole with you and the state over the passing of your deputy. We pray that God grants you the strength and fortitude to bear the loss,” she said.

Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral John-Jonah (rtd), said it was almost impossible to speak about the departed deputy governor without emotion.

He said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death shook the foundation of the state, noting that he emptied himself in service before his passing.

Speaking on behalf of the Ekpemupolo delegation, Hon. Julius Pondi said the Ijaw nation had been thrown into mourning following the deputy governor’s demise.

Responding, Diri said it was still strange and unbelievable that his deputy was no more, noting that it was the first time in the state’s history that a serving deputy governor had passed on.