The Bayelsa State Government on Monday night held its annual Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons in a subdued atmosphere, in honour of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11.
The event, which took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, was deliberately downplayed to reflect the sober mood in the state following the loss.
Speaking at the carol service, Governor Douye Diri said the government had initially contemplated cancelling the programme but later resolved to proceed as a way of giving thanks to God and honouring the memory of the departed deputy governor.
“I appreciate my religious team and fathers in the faith for putting this together, even at these trying times in our state. We initially thought it might not be necessary to hold the event this year,” the governor said.
“However, after reflecting together, we decided to go ahead because the Bible teaches us that in all things we should give thanks to God.”
Governor Diri explained that the usual colourful elements of the Christmas Carol—such as special rendition competitions among the three arms of government and the civil service—were suspended in deference to the period of mourning.
“Our hearts are heavy because we lost our deputy governor, who would have been here to read one of the lessons. But the truth remains that every one of us will answer this call one day,” he said.
Quoting Isaiah 61:1, the governor added that while the state mourns, it also draws comfort from the assurance that God heals the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn.
The governor, who read the Ninth Lesson from Matthew 2:1–6, also expressed appreciation to Bayelsans for their support and solidarity since the passing of his deputy.
Earlier in his sermon, the South-South Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Emmah Isong, said the disobedience of man in the Garden of Eden necessitated God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.
According to him, the atonement of humanity’s sins could only be accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who came as both God and man to redeem the world. He noted that this, he said, was the essence of celebrating the birth of Christ.
Isong urged Christians not to allow challenges or obstacles define their lives, stressing that God has the power to turn every stumbling block into a testimony.
Highlights of the event included renditions of classical hymns and special numbers by the Garden City Choir, King of Glory Chapel Choir, Heavenly Voices, Evangelist Joy and the Bayelsa State 500 Mass Choir.
Dignitaries at the carol service included the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; Senators Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) and Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East); and members of the House of Representatives from the state, including Dr. Fred Agbedi, Dr. Mitema Obodor, Oforji Oboku, Mrs. Marie Ebikake and Rodney Ambaiowei.
Others in attendance were the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Head of Service, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, as well as other government functionaries.
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