“In Memorial: HSD Remembers ‘Irreplaceable E-Lawrenzi’”

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor (PhD.), describing him as “simply irreplaceable.”

In a reflective statement titled “In Memorial: My Irreplaceable E-Lawrenzi,” Dickson said old photographs he came across brought back vivid memories of their early political journey, dating back to 1998 when the military government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar lifted the ban on political activities.

According to Dickson, the photographs were taken after a meeting of the Nigerian Youth Democratic Alliance (NYDA), a youth political movement he founded at the dawn of Nigeria’s return to democracy. The meeting was convened by Justice Ephraim Akpata, the first Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to engage newly formed political associations.

He recalled that the group was made up of young Nigerian professionals, with Ewhrudjakpor, fondly known as “E-Lawrenzi,” manning the secretariat with files in his hands, displaying early signs of dedication and organisational strength.

Dickson noted that standing beside him at the meeting was Mohammed Wakil, who later became House Leader in 1999 and subsequently served as Minister of State for Power under former President Goodluck Jonathan, on his recommendation. Also present was Alhaji Mai Sheriff, younger brother of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

“From then on, I politicised E-Lawrenzi, and he blossomed beyond everyone’s imagination—ever resourceful, brilliant, hardworking, selfless, humble, principled and loyal,” Dickson said, adding that Ewhrudjakpor “shared himself and everything with everyone.”

The former governor, who is also the current Senator representing Bayelsa West, further recounted that Ewhrudjakpor stood firmly by his side in 2000 when he set up the Bayelsa Progressives Movement (BPM) in preparation for the 2003 governorship race. He said the association later formed the core of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Bayelsa State, before transitioning to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and eventually the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dickson described Ewhrudjakpor’s political journey as one marked by loyalty, service and selfless commitment, noting that his rise to become a Senator, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, and a Knight of the Catholic Church was a testament to his character and capacity.

“His Excellency Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor will be greatly missed; he is simply irreplaceable.” Dickson stated.

HSD

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