Former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; ex-Governor Seraike Dickson, and other eminent Bayelsa residents yesterday paid tributes to the late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Mourners thronged the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the state capital, venue of the “Day of Tributes” as part of the funeral activities to honour the late deputy governor.

Ewhrudjakpo died last year after slumping in his office.

Ex-President Jonathan described the late deputy governor as an “extraordinary and selfless politician , who worked diligently for the good of Bayelsa State.”

He said he was shocked when he learnt of the passing of the deputy governor and prayed for divine comfort and consolation to the family, community and the state.

A visibly distraught Governor Douye Diri described his late deputy governor as a consummate public servant.

Diri described his late deputy as a man of proverbs said he has constituted a team to publish a compendium of his proverbs.He said: “You will remain in my memory. You’re a true definition of support, a workaholic, a resourceful and a dependable deputy governor. I mince no words. Your labour was tireless, your integrity was uncompromising.

“His tireless work ethics, firm commitment to public service, his unshakeable loyalty to the government, friends and family will continue to inspire us. Words fail me; words cannot adequately record the depth of the loss I feel today.”

Dickson described the late deputy governor as his mentee and family member whose relationship spans over 30 years.

“He was an embodiment of service to the people. He kept and built relationships. I brought him, introduced him to politics and mentored him. We have been on a journey of service, lasted almost 30 years. I want to thank all mourners for their tribute and honour to him and his memory.”

Others who paid tributes include his family, former classmates, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, the Bayelsa Caucus in the National Assembly, led by Chief Fred Agbedi, the Bayelsa Elders’ Council, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ambassador Boladei Igali; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa branch; the Ijaw National Congress (INC); the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), among others.

(The Nation)