Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, former governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, on Thursday attended a valedictory court session held in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the State High Court Complex in Yenagoa.
The session, organised by the Bayelsa State Judiciary, was attended by members of the Ewhrudjakpo family, including his wife, Mrs. Ewhrudjakpo, and their children.
Speaking with visible emotion, Governor Diri recalled the role the late deputy governor played as the head of his legal team during his first and second term election cases. He said he was yet to fully come to terms with the passing of Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as a dependable and trusted ally.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Judiciary, as well as the Yenagoa and Sagbama branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and members of the legal profession within and outside the state for honouring the memory of his late deputy.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa-Ayemieye, acknowledged the immense contributions of Ewhrudjakpo to the development of legal jurisprudence in the state, describing his passing as a colossal loss to both Bayelsa State and the legal profession.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), described Ewhrudjakpo as one of the finest lawyers and administrators the state had produced. He said the late deputy governor was a man of integrity whose contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s legal system would remain enduring.
Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch, Mr. Clement Kekemeke, described the deceased as an ambassador of the legal profession, noting that he departed at a time his wisdom and counsel were most needed.
Other dignitaries at the valedictory session included the lawmaker representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi; his Nembe/Brass counterpart, Mrs. Marie Ebikake; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; President of the Bayelsa State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; top government officials; and chief judges from other states.
