Bayelsa deputy gov collapses, rushed to hospital

Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at the Government House in Yenagoa, the state capital on Thursday.

Although the cause of the collapse is yet to be ascertained, sources described the situation as serious.

A source said he was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for urgent medical attention.

However, this could not be independently confirmed, as Ben Akpedi, public relations officer of the hospital, did not respond to calls.

Doubara Atasi, media aide to the deputy governor, confirmed the development but declined to give details.

Asked to confirm the incident, Atasi said, “Yes,” and immediately ended the call.

Ewhrudjakpo was notably absent during Governor Douye Diri’s announcement of his resignation from the Peoples’ Democratic Party in October.

While Diri officially declared his departure from the PDP to join the All Progressives Congress alongside members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Ewhrudjakpo’s presence and position on the move were not mentioned.

Diri, who cited “obvious reasons” for his resignation, did not provide details about any grievances with the party.

Daniel Alabrah, Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed that the announcement was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, which included key officials such as the Speaker of the House, Abraham Ingobere, and his deputy, Michael Ogbere.

Alabrah’s statement noted that the governor had made the decision after extensive consultations with state leaders and thanked supporters for their continued loyalty, urging them to remain engaged as he seeks to build a “strong and vibrant Bayelsa.”