Rivers Mourns With Bayelsa As Fubara Leads Condolence Visit Over Ewhrudjakpo’s Death
By Passman Akpos
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that Rivers people are grieving alongside Bayelsa following the death of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the two states as inseparable by history and destiny.
Governor Fubara made this known on Sunday during a condolence visit to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa. He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation from Rivers State.
The Rivers governor said the loss of Senator Ewhrudjakpo was not only a tragedy for Bayelsa but also a painful blow to Rivers State, noting that whatever affects Bayelsa inevitably resonates in Rivers.
“Rivers and Bayelsa would remain as one people. While you in Bayelsa are grieving, our state is also grieving. Our story in Rivers cannot be complete without some aspects of Bayelsa,” Fubara said.
He stressed that the visit was a mark of solidarity, compassion and shared identity between the two neighbouring states, assuring Bayelsa of Rivers’ support during the period of mourning.
“There is no condolence visit or sweet words that can fill the gap of the loss of any dear one. It is only God that can fill the void,” the governor added.
Responding, Governor Diri expressed deep appreciation to his Rivers counterpart for the show of love and unity, noting that Fubara was the first sitting governor to pay a condolence visit since the passing of his deputy on December 11.
According to Diri, the gesture reaffirmed the longstanding bond between Bayelsa and Rivers as sister states with a common heritage.
He said the government and people of Bayelsa, as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family, were comforted and honoured by the visit, describing it as a powerful statement of brotherhood.
Governor Diri further assured that both states would continue to work closely together to resolve issues in their mutual interest, citing the peaceful resolution of the long-standing Soku oil wells dispute as evidence of effective collaboration.
“As governors, both of us have collaborated quietly to resolve the Soku oil well dispute that predated our administrations. In the same way, we will work together as brother states to resolve any other issue that might arise,” Diri said.
He added that Rivers and Bayelsa could not afford to be at loggerheads, especially as both states are governed by the same political party.“I thank you and your delegation for this visit, which means so much to us,” the Bayelsa governor stated.
The two governors later visited the official residence of the late deputy governor to condole with his widow, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, and other members of the family.
