Bayelsa Deputy Governo Ewhrudjakpo Eulogises Former Commissioner At Valedictory Session

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has described a former Commissioner for Special Duties, late Chief Nelson Ayebakuro as a good man whose legacies will continue to speak well of him for a long time.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo stated this on Friday at a special valedictory executive session held in honour of the deceased at the state Exco Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa, which had former deputy governors, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd) and Chief Peremobowei Ebebi in attendance.

The Deputy Governor, said judging from the testimonies of the former commissioner’s colleagues who served in the Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the state, Late Chief Ayebakuro served the people of Bayelsa East and the state creditably well as a public servant.

Urging other public servants to emulate the departed commissioner’s dedication to duty, he stressed that what matters most is the impact one makes while alive, and not how long one lived.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo enjoined the bereaved family to take solace in the exemplary life of their son, father and husband and thank God for the impactful 61 years he lived on earth.

He seized the opportunity to appreciate Governor Douye Diri for institutionalizing the practice of holding special valedictory sessions in honour of Bayelsans who had served as members of the State Executive Council at different times before their demise.

His words; “Thank God for the life he has lived . We not only look forward to what is missing. We must also look backwards that this same man was appointed as commissioner over several other qualified persons from Brass Constituency 3 to be part of the state executive council.

“The impact you make is what people will talk about . Today, Chief Ayebakuro is spoken of in clear and glowing terms . The question is, if you leave, will the same be said of you?”

“From the reports we have heard, Ayebakuro lived a good life. He was a good man . So, I wish to plead with the family to draw enormous strength from the comments of those who have served with him and those who did not serve with him .

“I will encourage you not to see the death as a loss but as a gain that comes in this kind of relationship . The strength you should draw is that he has children with you and they are alive.

“Having said that, we need to also appreciate Governor Douye Diri for initiating this move that gives those who had served our state the opportunity of also being honoured before they are interred just as it is done in the judiciary and the legislature.”

In his remark, former Deputy Governor and Chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), attributed the strong character and good spiritedness of the deceased to the late father who was a brave naval officer that saved several lives while in service.

Also speaking, former colleagues of the late executive council member, recalled that Chief Nelson Ayebakuro was a simple, jovial, accommodating and hardworking man, who understood his purpose on earth and served humanity with dedication.

Those who spoke include the former Commissioner for Special Duties Central, Chief Adolphus Forcados, former Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Onoye Ebitimi Beredugo, and the former Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development, Senator Degi Eremienyo.

Serving commissioners who also paid tributes to late Chief Ayebakuro were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo SAN; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones.