After deputy Gov ‘s death, Diri mandates medical checks for cabinet
Following the sudden death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has directed all cabinet members to undergo compulsory medical examinations.
Diri gave the directive during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Yenagoa, instructing the Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure that every member of the state executive council complied with the medical check.
He explained that the directive became necessary in light of the recent death of his deputy, noting that public officers with hectic schedules should have regular health checks to ensure medical fitness and prevent avoidable deaths.
“All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death. Members of the State Executive Council, go now and do compulsory check-up.
This is a directive that must be carried out,” the governor said.
Diri added that while death was inevitable, preventive measures could help individuals maintain good health and longevity.
He disclosed that an autopsy had been conducted on the late deputy governor and that the results would be made public at the appropriate time.
“I directed that an autopsy be conducted and the result is ready. At the right time, we will make it public,” he said.
Ewhrudjakpo had collapsed in office and died on December 11, 2025, plunging the state into mourning and raising public concerns about the circumstances of his passing.
The governor cautioned against politicising the deputy governor’s death, stating: “While we were mourning, some people were politicising the death of our deputy governor instead of showing love and qcompassion. This was not expected in our state.”
He also announced the constitution of a burial committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, and said the burial date would be announced soon.
Meanwhile, Prof Brisibe presented an award plaque and a dummy cheque of $400,000 to the governor, recognising Bayelsa as first runner-up in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South-South region.
The competition is funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund, Dangote Group, and other international partners.
Diri described the achievement as encouraging, saying it reflected the government’s investment in the health sector. “This is the best award we have won so far, and it came with a dollar reward.
“It is down to the exceptional performance of the commissioner for health. When you work hard, there will be results like this,” he said.
Prof Brisibe stated that Bayelsa’s recognition in the competition was due to Diri’s commitment to the development of the health sector.
He also presented the governor with the Distinguished Leadership Award in Governance for his outstanding contributions to the growth of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa and Nigeria.
Credit- Punch
