Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has paid glowing tribute to the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a man of uncommon conscience, integrity and principled leadership.
Dickson spoke during a live radio interview after the burial of the late deputy governor, saying Ewhrudjakpo’s life and conduct in public office offer critical lessons for Nigerian politicians, especially the younger generation.
According to the former governor, Ewhrudjakpo once resisted political pressure to defect from his party, insisting that his conscience would not allow him to abandon the platform that gave him the opportunity to serve.
“My conscience cannot accept that. The party that gave me this platform to this level went to court and was rigged out. I cannot do that,” Dickson recalled Ewhrudjakpo as saying. “That is the mark of a man raised on the right values.”
Dickson lamented what he described as the steady decline of principled leadership in Nigeria, warning that the country was drifting toward a culture of “mercenary politics,” where leaders take decisions based solely on personal gain.
“If leaders think only about what they will benefit today—food on the table, big cars, appointments—then society ends up with mercenaries, not leaders of principle,” he said.
He stressed that true leadership is anchored on fairness, justice and moral conviction, noting that societies only make progress when leaders are guided by values rather than convenience.
The former governor further explained that although he had advised Ewhrudjakpo to follow the political direction of his principal, the late deputy governor declined on grounds of conscience, a decision he said he respected deeply.
“He looked straight at me and said, ‘Sir, how can I do that? I don’t think it is right. I don’t think it is conscientious,’” Dickson said.
Dickson also addressed the political atmosphere following Ewhrudjakpo’s death, condemning what he described as premature political positioning and exploitation of the tragedy.
“Anybody who thinks they can climb politically on the death of another human being is wicked, irresponsible and foolish,” he said.
He noted that Bayelsa State had never before lost a sitting deputy governor, making Ewhrudjakpo’s death a deeply solemn moment that required restraint, unity and respect for his service.
Dickson commended Governor Douye Diri for maintaining stability in the state and reaffirmed that he has deliberately avoided interfering in governance since leaving office.
“I have not influenced any appointment or contract in six years. The governor has full constitutional powers, and I respect that,” he stated.
While emphasizing that he has not retired from politics, Dickson said his approach remains rooted in organization, persuasion and peaceful engagement rather than violence or coercion.
He called on the Bayelsa State Government and relevant institutions to immortalize the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, saying his life should be documented and preserved as a moral compass for future generations.
“His life should remind us that conscience, humility, service and loyalty to worthy causes still matter,” Dickson concluded.
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