The late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been remembered as a dependable ally and true friend of journalists, whose relationship with the media was defined by mutual respect, encouragement and a firm belief in the power of responsible journalism.
Members of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, led by its Chairman, Mr. Tife Owolabi, described Ewhrudjakpo as a public office holder who consistently maintained an open-door policy toward journalists and acknowledged the critical role of the media in governance and development.
According to the chapel, the late deputy governor never missed an opportunity to commend the work of correspondents across media platforms, often offering words of encouragement and engaging constructively with reporters, irrespective of the subject of reportage.
Journalists within the chapel noted that Ewhrudjakpo did not view the media as adversaries, but as partners in governance, public accountability and societal progress. They recalled that he related with journalists both professionally and personally, demonstrating uncommon humility and respect for the press, even during periods of intense political pressure.
Beyond his cordial relationship with journalists, Ewhrudjakpo was described as a seasoned politician and administrator whose wealth of experience informed his principled approach to public service. He was portrayed as a leader who remained guided by conviction rather than convenience, particularly in difficult and uncertain times, and as a mentor who quietly but consistently invested in the growth of others.
Colleagues and admirers also noted that the late deputy governor exemplified simplicity in lifestyle while making a profound impact. Despite his depth of learning and intellectual capacity, he was said to have carried himself without arrogance, remaining emotionally stable, mature and deeply principled in both public and private life.
As a family man, Ewhrudjakpo was further remembered for his warmth, love and devotion, qualities that endeared him to many beyond the political space. Those who worked closely with him said his disciplined and balanced life, marked by restraint and empathy, distinguished him in a political environment often defined by excess.
The Federated Correspondents’ Chapel described his passing as a painful loss that has created a void difficult to fill, stressing that his legacy would endure not only in policy and politics, but also in the lasting goodwill he built with the media and the wider Bayelsa society.
The chapel concluded that Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo would be remembered as a friend of the press, a man of principle and conviction, and a public servant whose simple life left an enduring imprint on Bayelsa State.