Former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; ex-Governor Seraike Dickson, and other eminent Bayelsa residents yesterday paid tributes to the late Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Mourners thronged the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the state capital, venue of the “Day of Tributes” as part of the funeral activities to honour the late deputy governor.
Ewhrudjakpo died last year after slumping in his office.
Ex-President Jonathan described the late deputy governor as an “extraordinary and selfless politician , who worked diligently for the good of Bayelsa State.”
He said he was shocked when he learnt of the passing of the deputy governor and prayed for divine comfort and consolation to the family, community and the state.
A visibly distraught Governor Douye Diri described his late deputy governor as a consummate public servant.
Diri described his late deputy as a man of proverbs said he has constituted a team to publish a compendium of his proverbs.
He said: “You will remain in my memory. You’re a true definition of support, a workaholic, a resourceful and a dependable deputy governor. I mince no words. Your labour was tireless, your integrity was uncompromising.
“His tireless work ethics, firm commitment to public service, his unshakeable loyalty to the government, friends and family will continue to inspire us. Words fail me; words cannot adequately record the depth of the loss I feel today.”
Dickson described the late deputy governor as his mentee and family member whose relationship spans over 30 years.
“He was an embodiment of service to the people. He kept and built relationships. I brought him, introduced him to politics and mentored him. We have been on a journey of service, lasted almost 30 years. I want to thank all mourners for their tribute and honour to him and his memory.”
Others who paid tributes include his family, former classmates, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, the Bayelsa Caucus in the National Assembly, led by Chief Fred Agbedi, the Bayelsa Elders’ Council, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Ambassador Boladei Igali; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Yenagoa branch; the Ijaw National Congress (INC); the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), among others.
Following the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Senior Correspondent, Okungbowa Aiwerie, examines its wider political implications and the search for his successor.
Although the Nigerian Constitution does not specify a time limit within which a new deputy governor must be appointed if the position becomes vacant, the sudden death of Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has, undoubtedly, created a vacuum in the state’s leadership structure that needs to be filled.
The constitution empowers the governor of the affected state to nominate a replacement, but requires confirmation by a simple majority of the State House of Assembly. It mandates “due legislative and constitutional procedures.”
Following the tragic events of last week, the Bayelsa government declared a three-working-day mourning period while also dedicating its weekly five-kilometre ‘Prosperity Walk’, among other activities, in honour of the departed deputy governor.
Governor Douye Diri, in a statement, paid glowing tribute to the memory of the deceased, describing his death as “profoundly shocking, adding that the deceased “was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day.”
According to a statement by Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, all flags in public buildings are to fly at half-mast,
Continuing, “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 representing 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 mourning for three working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025. All flags are to fly at half-mast.”
Although Bayelsans are not unaccustomed to a vacancy in the office of the Deputy Governor, albeit through the death of its occupant. In 2005, the impeachment of Bayelsa Governor DSP Alameseigha created room for his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, to step in as Governor. And with the office of Deputy Governor vacant, Rt Hon Peremobowei Ebiebi, then Speaker, was nominated as Deputy Governor.
But where would the pendulum swing this time? Who becomes the next deputy governor of the state?
The Nation gathered that four persons have emerged as front-runners, including incumbent Speaker, Rt Hon Abraham Ingobere, Dr Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff to Gov. Diri, APC State Chairman, Dr Dennis Otiotio and Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother to the late deputy governor.
While Governor Douye Diri’s choice of replacement should not pose a significant challenge, given the array of qualified persons, there is agitation in some quarters that the zoning principle be respected.
Stakeholders insist the next occupant must come from Sagbama LGA, the local government area of the deceased.
A former Bayelsa Commissioner for Youth Development and ex-President, Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, in a telephone interview, expressed sadness over the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, whom he said brought “value to governance.”
He added that the right person for the job must have experience in dealing with political and administrative issues and have occupied leadership positions in organisations.
He argued that a top civil servant or a military officer would be best suited for the job, having acquired relevant competencies in the course of their careers.
Analysing the broader political implications of the deputy governor’s demise, Eradiri said Ewhrudjakpo’s replacement must be “politically astute and blessed with profound intellect and capacity to manage stakeholders,” adding that Gov Diri must nominate a politician with political clout and pedigree as the nation braces up for the 2027 elections.
He said, “ Gov Diri is in a tight situation. I don’t envy him because within a short period, he must pick someone who will fill that space. The occupant of that office must be able to support the governor the way Bayelsa has always operated. Diri needs someone who is politically astute because of the 2027 elections. Someone who can hold the reins of government while he is politicking. We have always had eminent personalities holding this position in the past. We have had as deputy governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) and now Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who recently passed away.”
Besides, state PDP are insisting the new deputy governor be drawn from its ranks, arguing that the late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo was, until his death a card-carrying PDP member.
Although several calls and text messages to Bayelsa PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Agwanana, were not returned, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity maintained that the party’s input is vital, especially when the late deputy governor was a card-carrying member until his demise.
His words, “It is indeed a tragic situation that we find ourselves as a party with the demise of a leading light of our great party. Let’s be clear on this issue. Our party reserves the right to contribute to whoever gets nominated for the deputy governorship position. Originally, Gov Diri and Erhwujakpo are on a joint ticket and should be allowed to make an input on who becomes the next second- in- command. In the interest of peace and justice, our party should be carried along.”
Of the four front-runners, two, including Dr Peter Akpe and Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, meet zoning requirements for leadership positions in the state, both from Bayelsa West.
The Speaker, Rt Hon. Abraham Ingobere and Dr Dennis Otiotio, who both hail from Bayelsa East, may face an uphill task to claim the position as their nominations might upset zoning principles.
Dr Peter Akpe is the current Chief of Staff to Gov Douye Diri and hails from Sagbama LGA in Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
He was appointed in March 2024, and previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff (2020-2023), Acting Chief of Staff (2023-Feb 2024), Head of Administration, and member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. A veteran public administrator with a PhD in Administration & Planning.
Dr Akpe worked in both the Rivers and Bayelsa State Civil Service for over 20 years and retired as Assistant Director.
He also served as Head of Administration, Office of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State (2006–2007), Commissioner with the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Service Commission (2008–2011), a two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and was Leader of the House between 2011 and 2019.
The astute administrator is a fellow of several professional bodies, a 5th Degree Black Belter and Certified Kukiwon Coach in Taekwondo, and is currently the Pastor-in-Charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Bayelsa Province 1 and a part-time Lecturer with the Redeemed Christian Bible College, University of Ede, Osun State.
Chief Dennis Otiotio Odoni (PhD) is a prominent Nigerian legal practitioner and politician currently serving as the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State.
He was born on October 25, 1972, in Nembe (Bassambiri), Bayelsa State.
In April 2025, he was appointed by President Tinubu as the Chairman of the Governing Board for the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State. He is a seasoned solicitor and researcher focusing on legal frameworks for hydrocarbon resources and operates the law firm D.I.D. Otiotio & Co. in Yenagoa.
Rt Hon Abraham Ingobere was born in 1974 and hails from Brass LGA and currently serves as the 7th speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly since 6 June 2023.
Ingobere is a member of the All Progressives Congress, representing Brass Constituency 3 in the state legislature. A 4th term member of the assembly, he served as the 6th speaker of the House and was re-elected speaker of the 7th assembly unchallenged on 6 June 2023.
He is a grassroots politician who is much loved by his constituents.
He is perceived as Gov Diri’s loyalist and a dependable political ally, who defected along with 17 members of the state legislature to the APC with the governor.
The major drawback to his ambition is the fact that ,he hails from Bayelsa East. Besides, with the zoning arrangements in the state, his senatorial district is poised to produce the next Bayelsa Governor in 2028. Will he forgo nomination for deputy Governor and hope to clinch the APC gubernatorial ticket in 2028 when Gov Diri’s tenure lapses?
Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, the elder brother of the late deputy governor recently retired as permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education. He is currently an aide to Governor Diri.
Although little known politically, his pedigree as a top functionary may stand him in good stead.
• NCS boss leads wrestling federation’s delegation to Yenagoa
The First Lady,Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have condoled with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Mrs Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, spoke yesterday during a condolence visit to the Government House in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The First Lady expressed sadness over the demise of the deputy governor, describing it as tragic.
Accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajiya Laila Barau; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, and the wife of the Minister of Works, Rachael Umahi, Mrs. Tinubu noted that death is an inevitable experience for all humanity.
She said: “I am short of words. I never knew I was going to Bayelsa State on a sad note. I wish we were here for another purpose.
“We are all with you, particularly the bereaved Ewhrudjakpo family, at these trying times. We pray God Almighty to comfort His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the widow, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, the children and the entire people of Bayelsa State. And may God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”
Also, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, led another delegation from the service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) on a condolence visit to the Bayelsa Government House in Yenagoa.
Adeniyi, who was recently elected president of the wrestling federation, said the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s passing was hard to accept.
The NCS boss said the service and the wrestling federation shared in the grief of the state, as the departed deputy governor was not only a friend but also a trusted ally of the governor, who supervised the Ministry of Sports, with which their paths had crossed.
“As a board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, we intended to come and introduce ourselves to you and share our programmes. Importantly, we were to kick-start our National Wrestling Classic organised in Your Excellency’s honour. But as a mark of respect for the departed, the board has decided to postpone this event indefinitely until the funeral is concluded.”
Responding, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, whom he said had earlier called to sympathise with him.
He stated that the government and people of the state as well as the Ewhrudjakpo family were honoured to have a delegation from the presidency to identify with them in their moment of grief.
The Bayelsa governor eulogised his late deputy, saying Ewhrudjakpo was a very active participant in running the government.
“My deputy was part of the active four wheels of the machinery of government in this state. That was why I sent him to represent me whenever I am indisposed. He represented me severally at the National Economic Council meetings.
“Ewhrudjakpo was a consummate public servant. Bayelsa has lost a son; one of the strong pillars of our government is gone.”
Thanking Adeniyi for the visit, Diri acknowledged and appreciated his role in facilitating the clearing of the state’s gas turbines at the seaport, following a presidential duty waiver.
The governor announced that six of the eight turbine units had been installed, while the remaining two units were being expected at the Lagos port in a few days.
He added that the state would again require the CG’s support.
Diri explained that the delayed arrival of the machines had slowed the completion of the state independent power project by the end of December.
The First Lady’s delegation and that of the CG visited the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, at their official residence.
Also yesterday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara extended his condolences to his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, on the death of Ewhrujakpo.
In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Fubara said the sad news resonated across Rivers’ boundaries and moved them to mourning.
The governor described Ewhrudjakpo as a man of exceptional calibre, saying his life was a masterclass in public service.
He said: “Throughout his distinguished career, he navigated the complexities of governance with a rare blend of intellectual depth and profound humility. He was not merely a political figure; he was a steadfast anchor for your administration and a beacon of hope for his constituents.
“His transition represents a monumental loss that echoes far beyond the walls of the Government House. To his family, he was a devoted pillar; to the state, he was a tireless advocate for progress.
“The vacuum left by his departure is a testament to the magnitude of the space he occupied in the hearts of those who knew him and the lives he touched through his dedication to duty.
“May you, my brother governor, find the inner resolve to lead your people through this dark hour. Our prayers remain with the bereaved family and the entire people of Bayelsa State.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over the passing of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a diligent and selfless public servant who served Bayelsa State and Nigeria with patriotism and commitment.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt sympathies to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, as well as to the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, his children, family members, friends, and associates who worked closely with him during his years in public service.
The President recalled the late deputy governor’s distinguished career, noting that Ewhrudjakpo had served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Bayelsa State before being elected senator representing Bayelsa West.
The President stressed that Ewhrudjakpo’s contributions to the development of Bayelsa State were evident in the infrastructure projects he supervised and the role he played in lawmaking and policy shaping during his tenure in the National Assembly.
President Tinubu urged the government and people of Bayelsa State to preserve and uphold the legacy of the late deputy governor, whose service left a lasting imprint on the state’s development trajectory.
He also offered prayers for the repose of Ewhrudjakpo’s soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his grieving family, the government, and the entire people of Bayelsa State at this difficult time.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over the passing of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Ewhrudjakpo as a diligent and selfless public servant who served Bayelsa State and Nigeria with patriotism and commitment.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt sympathies to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as well as to the wife of the deceased, Barrister Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, his children, family members, friends and associates who worked closely with him during his years in public service.
The President recalled the late Deputy Governor’s distinguished career, noting that Ewhrudjakpo had served Bayelsa State as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure before his election as Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
According to the President, Ewhrudjakpo’s contributions to the development of Bayelsa State were evident in the infrastructure projects he supervised and the role he played in lawmaking and policy shaping during his tenure in the National Assembly.
President Tinubu encouraged the government and people of Bayelsa State to preserve and uphold the legacy of the late Deputy Governor, whose service left a lasting imprint on the state’s development trajectory.
He also offered prayers for the repose of Ewhrudjakpo’s soul and asked God to grant comfort and strength to his grieving family, the government and the entire people of Bayelsa State at this difficult time.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his special adviser on media and communications, Nneamaka Okafor, Senator Lokpobiri described the loss as significant for Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta region, and the nation.
He praised the late deputy governor as a dedicated public servant whose career reflected loyalty, integrity, and a strong commitment to the development of Bayelsa State.
“From his years as Commissioner to his service in the Senate and later as Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo gave his all to the progress of our State,” the Minister said.
Senator Lokpobiri noted that the Deputy Governor’s contributions to governance “remain etched in the history of Bayelsa,” adding that his passing is “a collective tragedy felt far beyond his immediate family.”
He extended condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the widow, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the wider Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni community, and the people of Bayelsa State.
The Minister prayed for comfort for the bereaved and for eternal rest for the late Deputy Governor. “May God console the family and grant his soul eternal rest,” he said.
Former Deputy Governor of Edo state and Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu has expressed sadness over the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Comrade Shaibu said Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a committed public servant who gave his best in every office he held.
He said throughout his time in service, he distinguished himself with honour, humility, and an unwavering dedication to duty.
In his condolence message, the NIS Boss personally signed, the NIS Boss said the late Deputy Governor was a man who loved his work, a devoted family man, and a thoughtful leader who consistently placed the welfare of the people above all else.
“He was passionate about the development of Bayelsa State and lived a life defined by service, purpose, and compassion.
“I know how painful and devastating this loss is for my brother and friend, His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri. My heart is with him in this dark moment.
“I also commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased. His passing leaves a void that will not be easily filled. May the Almighty God console Governor Diri, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the good people of Bayelsa State, and all who knew and loved him over this tragic loss. May his memory remain a blessing and a light.
“As a mark of respect, I have directed the cancellation of our annual family carol for this year, earlier billed to hold on Sunday, 14th December, 2025.
“Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen”
Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta North) has expressed deep shock over the sudden death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa Deputy Governor, describing his passing as a devastating blow to the Urhobo Nation and the country at large.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa where he died at 60.
In a statement on Friday, Dafinone described the late Deputy Governor as “a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.”
He noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s lifelong devotion to public service and development had etched his name firmly in the hearts of those he served.
According to the Delta Central senator, the void created by Ewhrudjakpo’s demise will be difficult to fill, given his exceptional contributions to governance, community development, and national cohesion. Dafinone extended condolences on behalf of the people of Delta Central to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, and the Government and people of Bayelsa State, urging them to take solace in the impactful and honourable life he lived.
According to him: “I received the news of the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, with deep shock and profound sadness. His sudden collapse on Thursday and subsequent death at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, have left our nation, particularly the Urhobo Nation, in mourning. Until his death, Senator Ewhrudjakpo remained a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.
“Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s death is a monumental loss to the Urhobo Nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria at large. His contributions to governance, community development, and national cohesion were exceptional. He was a man who embodied humility and forthrightness, and his political journey reflected a lifetime of service rooted in integrity, hard work, and devotion to the common good. His demise has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
“On behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and all who knew and admired the late Deputy Governor. I urge his family and loved ones to find comfort in the fact that he lived a purposeful life, touched many lives, and left behind a legacy of honour and service that will endure.
“As we mourn this painful loss, I pray that God Almighty grants his family the strength and grace to bear the irreparable loss, and I pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all of us.”
The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has expressed sorrow over the sudden death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Dafinone described his passing as “a monumental loss to the Urhobo Nation, Bayelsa State, and Nigeria at large,” in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Friday.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed on Thursday and died shortly after at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. His death has thrown the Urhobo Nation and the wider Niger Delta region into mourning.
Senator Dafinone said he received the news “with deep shock and profound sadness,” noting that the late Deputy Governor was “a principled politician, a committed public servant, and a distinguished son of Urhobo who carried himself with dignity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the service of his people.”
He praised Ewhrudjakpo’s contributions to governance, community development, and national unity, noting his political journey “reflected a lifetime of service rooted in integrity, hard work, and devotion to the common good.”
According to Dafinone, the void created by the deputy governor’s death will be “difficult to fill,” given his humility, forthrightness, and commitment to public service.
The senator extended condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Urhobo Nation, the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and all who admired the late leader.
He urged the bereaved to take solace in the impact he made during his lifetime, noting that “he lived a purposeful life, touched many lives, and left behind a legacy of honour and service that will endure.”
They also advocated the establishment of a workable community surveillance and intelligence sharing framework in all coastal security operations.
They made the call under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform in a communiqué at its inaugural summit in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The seven coastal states are Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo and Lagos States.
Chairman of the Platform and Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stressed the need for awareness on maritime safety and security.
Ewhrudjakpo noted that such awareness will foster a culture of compliance with national and international laws and also help the country to optimally harness its potential in the blue economy.
In a statement by his aide, Mr Doubara Atasi quoted the group as advocating dedication of a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports to coastal security funding.
The group, according to Atasi, also urged investments in maritime transport services to stimulate economic activities between coastal communities bordering the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring countries.
It said: “The need for a healthy maritime environment and effective maritime border governance to combat pollution, protect mangroves and prevent degradation that could lead to economic hardship and insecurity.
“Taking advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.
“Integrate climate change resilience on Maritime Border policies *Increase provision of social infrastructure in coastal communities*Establishment of a cross-border platform for regular engagement between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.”
Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Umo Eno, commended the deputy governors for creating the group, noting that Nigeria coastal states face a lot of challenges that must be addressed.
Delta Deputy Governor, Mr Monday Onyeme, expressed optimism that the activities of the group will not only foster border governance but also proffer solutions to disputes along coastal boundaries.
Others, who spoke at the summit, included the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Director-General of National Boundary Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogana, Prof. Enefiok Essien, SAN, among others.
