Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death: Diri Cuts Short Foreign Trip, Visits Widow

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December 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri has cut short his foreign trip abroad, following the sudden death of his deputy on Thursday.

On arrival in the state capital, Yenegoa, the governor paid a condolence visit to the family of his late Deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as a dependable ally.

While consoling the deceased’s wife, Barr (Mrs) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo at the official residence of the Deputy Governor on Friday December 12, said he shared a wonderful relationship with his late Deputy and promised to support the family.

The Deputy Governor slumped in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa where he died in spite of spirited efforts by doctors to save his life.

Governor Diri’s Statement “Following the sad news of the demise of my dear Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, I had to cut short my official trip outside the state to attend to the incident.

“I led a delegation of top government officials to visit Her Excellency, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, the widow, and other family members at their official residence at the Government House, Yenagoa.

“Accompanied by my wife, Gloria, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the immediate past Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd), and others, I shared with everyone present words of comfort and gave assurances from the government that we will stand with the family at this time.

“I reminded the wife and the family of my close relationship with the late deputy governor since our paths crossed under the immediate past administration and particularly, our time together in the trenches before the Supreme Court declaration that brought us to office in 2020.

“In our almost six years in office, I saw in him a very resourceful partner who was committed to our collective aspiration for the development of our dear state. He will be greatly missed.

“Once again, on behalf of my family, and the Government of Bayelsa State, I extend my deepest condolences to the wife, children, immediate family, the people of Ofoni Federated community, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of the state for this irreparable loss. May God comfort us all.”

Uzodimma Lauds God’s Grace Upon His Family, Marks 67th Birthday With Thanksgiving Service

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The Source

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December 13, 2025

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A grateful Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Friday, December 12, marked his 67th birthday celebration with a Thanksgiving Service where he lauded God’s grace upon himself and his family.

The Thanksgiving Service which had in attendance top government officials, Security Chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders from different denominations, politicians, youths, women groups, friends, family members and numerous well wishers was held at the Government House Chapel, Owerri.

In his remarks after Service, Governor Uzodimma also called on Imo residents in particular and Nigerians in general to intensify their prayers for the peace, progress, and security of Imo State and the Country.

Though Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the grace and goodness of God upon himself as a person, his little twin daughters who share the same birthday date with him, and his entire family, he however used the occasion to invite the audience to join him in service to the State under his watch through their fervent prayers.

The Governor who emphasised the critical role of divine intervention in overcoming the current social and economic challenges facing the Nation, specifically urged the people to make earnest prayers for sustained peace and continued development across all sectors in Imo State.

He stressed that a stable and prosperous Nigeria requires the collective prayers and vigilance of every citizen, especially as the nation continues to grapple with various forms of insecurity and instability.

Governor Uzodimma underscored the belief that unity and spiritual commitment are essential ingredients for navigating the complexities of governance and ensuring the well-being of the populace during this challenging period.

He was however full of appreciation to those who joined his family at the Thanksgiving Service and also prayed for God’s blessings upon them.

Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) Solomon Amatu reflected on the essence of abiding by the precepts of God as individuals if we desire peace in our lives, community and State.

Bishop Amatu maintained that “as a people we must stand our ground to know where we are going, know what we want and stand by it so long as it pleases God”.

“Let nobody confuse you because each sees things differently,” he said, noting that “if you want to please everybody, you may succeed in pleasing no one.”

He then enjoined christians not to evoke the anger of God as was the case during the time of Prophet Isaiah when God regretted creating man.

The Special Thanksgiving by the Governor and his family was characterised by singing of songs of praises by the audience who responded joyously to the renditions of the Government House Chapel choir in gratitude to God for the Governor’s birthday and dedication of the State and the Nation to God.

The highpoints were the cutting of the Governor’s 67th birthday cake and the presentation of letter by Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo xiv, through the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Thomas Obiatuegwu to the Governor.

Other gifts came from religious groups, the Imo APC family, St. Rose the Lima Parish, Omuma, the youth group and individuals.

The Governor’s wife, Barr Chioma Uzodimma and her children as well as other top Government officials

Jonathan Mourns Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

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The Source

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December 12, 2025

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Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep shock over the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Dr. Jonathan described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a devoted public servant, a true patriot, and a loyal steward of Bayelsa State and Nigeria. He noted that throughout his years in public service, the late Deputy Governor served the people of Bayelsa with unwavering passion and earned widespread admiration.

He recalled Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s hard work, commitment, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the distinction he brought to every office he held. “From his service as Commissioner, to the Senate, and later as Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was known for his depth, insightful grasp of governance, eloquence, and warm sense of humour”, Jonathan said.

Dr. Jonathan further described his passing as a profound loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State, as well as to his family and all who worked closely with him.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo will be remembered for his forthrightness, dedication to duty, and steadfast commitment to the development of Bayelsa,” he said.

The former President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family and the Government of Bayelsa State, urging them to find solace in the impactful life of service he lived in devotion to his people.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Deputy Governor’s soul.

Ikechukwu Eze

Special Adviser to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

FEC Re-invalidates Ondo Sea Port Licence To Reflect Investor’s Identity

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Ayodele Oni

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December 12, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revalidation of the Ondo State deep sea port licence, signalling commencement of operation.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the approval, as a milestone pivotal for industrialization and investments in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Aiyedatiwa made the announcement on Friday, while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025 at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure.

He explained that the licence, initially secured from the Federal Government during his tenure as deputy governor, faced delays due to a naming error in the original business case.

“There was an error in terms of the name of the potential investor. It created setbacks because the licence was not in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited. We had to start new processes and prepare a brand-new full business case.”

The Governor revealed that the port will be located in Erona, Ilaje local government area, which boasts the state’s longest coastline and serves as a gateway to global trade.

The corridor, he added, will host chemical plants producing fertilisers, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with a 500,000-barrel capacity, all at different planning and development stages.

“A lot is happening. The MOU has been signed, land allocated and preliminary work done. Construction on the modular refinery has already begun, underlining the state’s readiness for large-scale investments.

He emphasised infrastructure development as central to the administration’s strategy, noting that roads to industrial zones are being dualised and modernisation projects are ongoing.

“Preparations for residential, educational, and hospitality facilities to support an anticipated population increase are also underway.”

Highlighting social achievements, Aiyedatiwa noted that 412 primary healthcare centres have been completed or nearing completion, ambulances provided to all local governments, and doctors’ welfare prioritised.

“Security remains a key focus, with 512 personnel deployed across the state, supported by command and control centres. Traditional rulers have been prioritised with enhanced salaries and mobility to strengthen grassroots oversight.”

Aiyedatiwa urged party unity, stressing that personal ambitions should not divide the APC.

Recalling his governorship primary, he said, “Even if your aspirant does not secure a ticket, it should not divide the party. Eight of 15 aspirants supported me immediately, and the others eventually joined. That is the way it should be.”

He also called for unity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Linking state progress to national reforms, the Governor pointed out that improved fiscal policies have allowed Ondo to invest in infrastructure, security, and industrial projects while reducing debt.

“We have started with infrastructure and security to attract investors. Once the port, refinery, and petrochemical plants are operational, we can access further funding to support mega projects.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that February 2026 will mark the first anniversary of the elected administration and will feature an investment summit to showcase industrial opportunities to global investors.

He affirmed inclusive development, noting that all local governments will benefit from these projects, with the Native Lookout hosting assets to transform the state’s fortunes.

The Southwest APC Vice Chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, praised the governor for his humility and inclusive leadership.

He urged lawmakers to participate fully in party activities and highlighted the expansion of representation from 10 to 60 delegates per local government, welcoming stakeholders from all 18 local government areas.

BayelsaDeclares Three-day Mourning In Honour Of Late Deputy Governor

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 12, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa State Government on Friday, December 12, 2025, declared a three-day mourning period for the fallen Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The Source reports that Ewhrudjakpo on Thursday December 11, slumped while climbing a staircase to his office. He was later pronounced dead by medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre in, Yenagoa, the State Capital where he was rushed to for attention.

He passed on at the age of 60.

A statement by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiowou Koku-Obiyal, said the mourning period began immediately on Friday and would last for three working days during which period flags would fly at half-mast.

The State Government described the sudden death of the Deputy Governor,

as not only painful, deeply regrettable and shocking, but, also, a monumental loss to the State Government, the people of Bayelsa State and the country at large.

According to the statement, Ewhrudjakpo collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa,where he gave up.

“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the Government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation.

“Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the State with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator that represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District, and Deputy Governor since 2020.

“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Her Excellency Barr.(Mrs) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, His Excellency , Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and all citizens of the State.

” Consequently, His Excellency , Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, has declared a state of mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast”, the Government statement reads

Primate Ayodele To Adelabu: You Won’t Be Gov For Reporting Me To DSS

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 12, 2025

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Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele — Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu of a plot by Trump to remove him from office.

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has petitioned the Department of State Services, DSS, alleging that Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, is trying to extort him to the tune of N150 million.

According to The Cable, the Minister claimed in the petition to the Secret Police, that the popular Prophet demanded the money from him, to assist him make his aspiration to become Oyo state governor, possible.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is among those contesting the state gubernatorial election in 2027.

Recall that Adelabu had in 2019 lost the election to the incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde.

But, in the petition to the DSS Adelabu claimed that the Lagos Prophet promised to assist him get the position this time around, provided he could provide the money.

In the petition dated October 13, 2025, signed by Bolaji Tunji, the minister’s Special Adviser on slStrategic Communications and Media Relations, Adelabu accused Ayodele of making false prophecies intended to malign his reputation after he rebuffed all efforts from the cleric, who allegedly demanded a huge sum of money and expensive spiritual items.

“I write to formally draw the attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the extortive, deceitful, and inciting activities of one self-acclaimed pastor known as Primate Elijah Ayodele, of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, whose actions have become not only personally distressing to the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, but also capable of disturbing public peace and undermining the integrity of the political process in Oyo State,” the petition reads.

“Since his tenure as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and particularly in the period leading up to his current aspiration to serve as the Governor of Oyo State, this individual had persistently approached him with unsolicited offers of “spiritual intercession” purportedly to guarantee electoral success.

“Under this guise, he had on several occasions demanded huge sums of money and expensive spiritual items, cumulatively amounting to over N150 million (one hundred and fifty million naira), as purported prerequisites for divine favour. The minister had consistently declined his requests, believing that his political ambition is driven by genuine service to the people and not by any spiritual manipulation or fetish practice.

“Following the Honourable Minister’s refusal to accede to his extortionate demands, Primate Ayodele has embarked on a campaign of malicious and false prophecies targeted at discrediting him publicly. He has gone as far as declaring through various media channels that ‘God told him he will not win the election’ and has recently made more provocative and inciting statements suggesting that he would fail because of his association with the ‘Èmi Lòkan’ slogan (“It’s my turn”).

“As a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he had previously chosen to ignore his antics to avoid unnecessary public confrontation with a religious figure. However, Primate Ayodele’s continued propagation of these false prophecies, which are evidently retaliatory and malicious in nature, now pose a threat not only to the minister’s reputation but also to public order and confidence in the democratic process.

“I therefore urge the Department of State Services to kindly investigate the activities of the said Pastor Ayodele for extortion, blackmail, and deliberate dissemination of false and inciting information; compel him to retract his false prophecies and issue a formal written apology; and bring him under the force of the law, in accordance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and Criminal Code, to deter similar fraudulent religious practices in the future.”

Meanwhile, Ayodele while reacting to the Minister’s claim, during one of his sermon in his church in Lagos said Adelabu will fail in his quest to be Oyo state helmsman in 2027.

Maryam Sanda: Supreme Court Throws Out Tinubu’s Reversal Of Death Sentence

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 12, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Supreme Court in a landmark judgment, voided the pardon granted by President Bola Tinubu to Maryam Sanda, and affirmed the death sentence, by hanging, for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in 2017. She stabbed him to death in their Abuja home.

In a Four-to-One split decision, the Apex Court dismissed the appeal filed by Sanda, ruling that the prosecution had proved the case of culpable homicide beyond a reasonable doubt.

Delivering the lead Judgment, Justice Moore Adumein held that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, was correct in upholding the initial death sentence handed down by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in 2020.

Justice Adumein further addressed the legal conundrum created by the Presidential pardon, stating: “It was wrong for the Executive to seek to exercise its power of pardon over a case of culpable homicide, in respect of which an appeal was pending.”

The Court resolved all issues raised in her appeal against her, and declared that the entire appeal was without merit.

The judgment effectively nullifies the compassionate reduction of sentence to 20 years granted by President Bola Tinubu. She was initially granted full pardon under the prerogative of mercy by the President, but the outage raised against it forced Tinubu to cancel tye full pardon, and reduced the death sentence to 12 years imprisonment. She has already spent about six years in prison custody.

reinstating the original conviction for the brutal killing of Bilyaminu Bello during a domestic dispute.

Sanda is expected to return to the status of a convict awaiting execution.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu had previously reduced Sanda’s death sentence to 12 years’ imprisonment on “compassionate grounds” in October 2025, which led to criticism from different quarters, prompting President Tinubu to rescind his decision.

The court resolved all issues raised in her appeal against her, declaring the entire appeal to be without merit

NGF Mourns Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo

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Ayodele Oni

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December 12, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has paid glowing tribute to the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s legacy.

NGF expressed profound grief over the sudden death of the Deputy Governor, who collapsed yesterday and was later confirmed dead.

In a statement signed by Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, the NGF described the late senator as a “dedicated public servant and worthy deputy” whose visionary leadership and commitment to Bayelsa State left an indelible mark.

“His unwavering commitment to good governance, social justice, and the welfare of his people stood as a testament to his character and leadership.

“His contributions to the development of Bayelsa State and its people will be fondly remembered,” AbdulRazaq stated.

The forum extended heartfelt condolences to Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, the people of Bayelsa, as well as the late deputy governor’s family and friends.

It prayed that Ewhrudjakpo’s exemplary values of humility and service continue to inspire future leaders amid this “irreparable loss

“Don’t Let Them Kill Me, I Have Pregnant Wife, 4-Year Old Son, Aged Father” – Young Man Pleads From Kidnappers’ Den

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 12, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

From inside a forest where his heartless kidnappers tied his hands behind him, a young man who identified himself as Mogaji Adebanjo has made a heart-wrenching appeal to the Nigerian Government, Security Agencies, and his State Government.

In a tear-inducing video which has gone viral, he pleaded: “I don’t want to die. I have a pregnant wife and a four-year-old son.” His abductors have placed the sum of N100m on his head, failing which they threaten to kill him. Sitting on the ground in the forest close to him, was another captive, a male teenager, looking helpless.

Adebanjo is a native of Ondo State and a staff member of Vine Crest College.

According to him, he was on his way from Ondo to Abuja when the ugly people kidnapped him along Kabba Road.

In a desperate plea for his life, facing two guns pointed at him, he pleaded:

“I don’t want to die, I have a pregnant wife and a four-year-old son, and an aged father.” He then doubled over, with his head almost touching the ground, only restrained by his hands which were tied behind him.

He is pleading for help and fears that the end of his life has come. But thinking of his pregnant wife and four-year old son, Adebanjo is clinging unto a little hope that the Federal Government, the Ondo State Government, and Security Agencies would do something and get him out.

Defection: Gov Adeleke Was A Victim Of PDP Bad Politics

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 12, 2025

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overnor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state defection from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was ineveitable, according to the’s National Publicity Secreatry, ini Emeobong, who blamed the development on the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s major opposition party.

Governor Adeleke defected to the Accord party on Wednesday from the PDP, and has since picked the party’s ticket for the next year’s governorship election in the state. The governor blamed the PDP crisis for his defection, even as watchers of politics said his departure from the embattled party has further dimmed its plan to control the state.

The PDP spokesman who spoke on Channels Television The Morning Brief, on Friday said anyone in Governor Adeleke’s shoes would have done the same thing, in the same circumstance, noting that the leadership crisis in the party was allowed to drag for too long before action was taken by the leadership.

He stressed that the PDP failed to wield the stick on those reportedly troubling the party, saying by the time it decided to do so it was too late,and become very inevitable for Governor Adeleke to look elsehere where he could achieve his governorship ambition.

According to him, “Adeleke is a victim of circumstance, and those circumstances were created by human failings within the party. Every problem has a human cause and therefore, should also have a human solution, but decisive action was not taken early enough. If leadership had acted firmly from 2023, when the decline began, the outcome might have been different.

“Sometimes leaders believe that once passions cool, people will reconsider their positions. But that didn’t happen here, and by the time the convention took decisive action in Ibadan, things had already gone too far. That is how he became a victim of vicarious liabilities that he could not completely detach himself from.’

Apart from Governor Adeleke, the Rivers state governor, Siminalaye Fubara had also dumped the PDP,andjoned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying he took the action to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election bid.

Both Governor Fubara and Tinbu are seeking re-election in 2007, and have recently became allies following the return of the Rivers helmsman to office, after the expiration of six months state of Emergency rule declared by President Tinubu in March this year. Fubara said his return to office was made possible by the president.