Many writers, Bible scholars, and others have variously described death as a thief due to its modus operandi. Even though death is inevitable, it often comes when no one expects.
Going by the above description, Bayelsa State is presently the latest victim of death. It came unannounced. The death of His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Ph.D, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, did not only come as a rude shock, it has destabilized all Bayelsans and created a state of confusion.
THE ONGOING JOSTLE FOR REPLACEMENT
As the entire state mourns the painful and untimely departure of the deputy governor, nature generally abhors the vacuum created by his death.
The quest to fill the vacuum has led to impatient scheming as evidence in many online publications.
Some are even misinterpreting sections of the 1999 Constitution As Amended without contextualizing such interpretations. The constitution is not explicit about succession in the case of a deputy governor when there is a sitting governor. The constitution never envisaged the death of a deputy governor. For that reason, it never made a provision for an automatic succession, the way it is very explicit in the case of Governor or where both the governor and his deputy are removed from office.
THE ROLE OF CHIEF DAVID LYON AND SENATOR BIOBARAKUMA DEGI-EREMIENYO IN STABILIZING BAYELSA POLITICS
Bayelsans expressed so much bitterness and dissatisfaction against the restoration administration. It was based on its disrespect for former President Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsans in general.
The bitterness led to protest vote during the 2020 Governorship election.
Senator Douye Diri is one of the finest and most outstanding politicians in Bayelsa State. He does not have enemies except those who do not like his plain and very sincere, selfless nature.
But despite his humble, kind nature, peaceful disposition and non-violent type of politics, Bayelsans never supported him because of then Gov. Henry Seriake Dickson that brought him.
The masses voted and passed human judgements in that election, but Almighty God said otherwise through the Supreme Court.
For the records and purpose of clarity, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo never forged any certificate. It is in Supreme Court records that he never forged any certificate. It was only a case of multiple and misspelled names, which the Supreme Court said he should have done a DEED POLL and not rely on a mere AFFIDAVIT of name correction to correct his misspelled name.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) both investigated Senator Degi thoroughly and came out with their findings, which exonerated him because there was no case of certificate forgery.
It was because of the above reason that he was not removed from the Nigerian Senate. He was also exonerated by court when some persons took him to court, arguing that he should be removed from the Senate.
The Supreme Court corrected herself in the case of Gov. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori of Delta State who had the same name issue.
Beyond the above, majority of Bayelsans have realized that everything that happened to Chief David Lyon and Sen. Degi was politics. The allegation by Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, former member of the House of Representatives that an APC leader in the state was given Five Billion Naira to sabotage the David Lyon and Degi mandate is one of the evidences of many things that happened.
But whatever that happened, Chief David Lyon and Senator Degi accepted their fate and moved on as patriotic Bayelsans. They never begrudge or resorted to antagonizing the prosperity administration.
As a matter of fact, Chief David Lyon and Senator Degi threw their total weight behind the reelection of Gov. Douye Diri in 2023. They mobilized their supporters for Diri because of the good works of the governor.
Bayelsans also saw how Chief David Lyon and Senator Degi mobilized their supporters to the Second Term Inauguration Ceremony of Gov. Douye Diri and his Deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo at the Samson Siasia Stadium. They never harboured sentiments and grudges.
THE MOST IDEAL THING TO DO AT A TIME LIKE THIS
Considering the immeasurable sacrifices of Chief David Lyon and Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo who have thrown their total support behind Gov Diri after the nullification if their mandate, the governor should cede the vacant position of the deputy governor to them.
Chief David Lyon as a Governor-Elect cannot take up the position of the Deputy Governor, but Senator Degi who was elected as Deputy Governor should be given the office.
What is happening in Bayelsa State is a mystery. It is beyond human comprehension or explanation. God has chosen Gov. Douye Diri for a special mission and most of his actions and decisions shall continue to surprise Bayelsans and even himself because, they are beyond his understanding.
Since the inception of the prosperity administration no leaders have genuinely supported Gov. Douye Diri like Chief David Lyon and Senator Degi and they have not been making noise or claiming entitlement. Over the years, they have proven to be ideal leaders that genuinely want the peace, prosperity, growth and development of the state.
RATIONALE FOR CHOICE OF SENATOR BIOBARAKUMA DEGI-EREMIENYO
Senator Degi is the perfect choice for the office of the Deputy Governor considering his excellent record of service. He served as a Councillor, Vice Chairman, LGA Chairman, two times Commissioner including that of Ministry of Health even when he is not a medical personnel and he left behind a lasting positive legacy in the health sector. He also served as Executive Director of FERMA and as a Senator in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic.
Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo is not only humble, he is a renowned loyal team player. He does not believe in violence. Above all, he is a very detribalized Bayelsan like Gov. Douye Diri.
THE PLACE OF THE SPIRIT OF THE TIME
Since the untimely death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the workaholic Deputy Governor of the state, many persons have advanced arguments for the choice of their person, but Chief David Lyon and his brother Senator Degi have remained unassuming.
Their positive disposition show their level of love and true support for Gov. Diri. They believe that leadership come from God and the moment God chooses a leader, it is the duty and place of others to follow.
In all, let the will of God be done even as we are optimistic that God is in total control.
Finally, may God console the immediate family of our departed Deputy Governor and Gov. Douye Diri and good people of Bayelsa State.
-Godspower Dominic, a public affairs analyst writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
