Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered his cabinet members to undergo compulsory medical examinations following the sudden demise of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The directive was given during a cabinet meeting in Yenagoa, where the governor emphasized the importance of regular health checks for public officers with hectic schedules.
Governor Diri noted that although death is inevitable, preventive measures can be taken to ensure good health and a long life. An autopsy has been conducted on the late deputy governor, and the results will be made public at the right time. The governor cautioned against politicizing Ewhrudjakpo’s death and announced that a burial committee has been constituted to handle the funeral arrangements.
Ewhrudjakpo’s death on December 11, 2025, sent shockwaves through the state, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and question the circumstances surrounding his passing. The state government had initially delayed announcing his death, prompting speculation and concerns among the public.
In a separate development, the Commissioner for Health, Seiyafa Brisibe, presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of $400,000 to Governor Diri, won by Bayelsa as the first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South South region. The challenge, funded by UNICEF, Dangote Group, and other international bodies, recognizes excellence in healthcare leadership. Governor Diri described the award as “refreshing and encouraging,” attributing the state’s success to the government’s investment in the health sector.
The award is a testament to the state’s commitment to improving its healthcare system, with Governor Diri’s administration prioritizing the development of the health sector. The recognition is expected to bolster the state’s efforts to enhance its healthcare services and provide better care for its citizens. As the state moves forward, the focus on healthcare is likely to remain a key priority, with the government seeking to build on its recent success and continue to improve the well-being of its people.
