Bayelsa PDP backs gov Diri’s autopsy order on late deputy

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed support for Governor Douye Diri’s directive to conduct an autopsy on his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Diri gave the order on Saturday during a condolence visit by former President Goodluck Jonathan to the Government House, Yenagoa. The autopsy is intended to medically determine the cause of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, amid comments circulating on social media.

According to the Punch, the state PDP Secretary, Ebiye Ogoli said that the party considers the governor’s action reasonable and fully supports it.

Ogoli said the party is still in shock over the sudden death of Ewhrudjakpo, describing him as a close ally of the governor and a major asset to the administration. “The State PDP aligns itself completely with the governor’s position. We are in deep, terrible pain over the shocking, unexpected demise of our deputy governor. If the governor feels an autopsy should be carried out, we fully endorse that decision,” he said.

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped in his office at the Government House and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later pronounced dead.