The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday led a delegation from the Service and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) on a condolence visit to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Adeniyi, who was recently elected President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, described the passing of Ewhrudjakpo as painful and difficult to accept. He said both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Wrestling Federation shared in the grief of the Bayelsa State Government and its people.
According to him, the late deputy governor was not only a friend but a trusted ally of Governor Diri, adding that his role as supervisor of the Ministry of Sports brought him into close working relationship with the Wrestling Federation.
“As a board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, our intention was to come and introduce ourselves to you and also share our programmes. Importantly, we were to kickstart our National Wrestling Classic organised in Your Excellency’s honour,” Adeniyi said.
“However, as a mark of respect for the departed, the board has decided to postpone the event indefinitely until after the funeral rites are concluded.”
In his response, Governor Diri expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the delegation for the visit, noting that Nigeria’s First Lady had earlier reached out to sympathise with him and the state.
He said the Bayelsa State Government, the people of the state and the Ewhrudjakpo family were honoured by the presence of a delegation from the Presidency at such a difficult time.
Eulogising his late deputy, Governor Diri described Ewhrudjakpo as a highly committed and dependable public servant who played a central role in the administration of the state.
“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 was indisposed. He represented me severally at meetings of the National Economic Council,” the governor said.
He added that the late deputy governor was a consummate public servant, noting that Bayelsa had lost one of its sons and a strong pillar of the present administration.
While thanking the Comptroller-General of Customs for the condolence visit, Governor Diri also 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 disclosed that six out of the eight turbine units had already been installed, while the remaining two units were expected to arrive at the Lagos port in the coming days, stressing that the state would again require the support of the Customs boss.
He noted that the delayed arrival of the machines had slowed the completion of the Bayelsa State Independent Power Project, which was earlier projected for completion by the end of December.
