After refusing to defect to APC, Bayelsa deputy governor slumps, pronounced dead

The Bayelsa State deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has been pronounced dead after collapsing suddenly in his office on Thursday evening.

Multiple reports said Mr Ewhrudjakpo slumped in his office and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

It was later confirmed that the deputy governor was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the medical facility.

While the cause of Mr Ewhrudjakpo had not been officially announced, reports linked the deputy governor’s collapse to a demanding workload.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo’s media aide, Doubara Atasi, could not be reached for comment as his contact was unreachable.

Prior to his sudden death, the deputy governor had refused to be present at the recent defection of Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in October.

Following his defection, Mr Diri said he would not compel Mr Ewhrudjakpo to the ruling party, saying he would continue to engage his deputy for positive outcome.

Meanwhile, Mr Ewhrudjakpo had approached the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, to restrain the Bayelsa parliament from the plot to impeach him for remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party.