Tension gripped Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Thursday after the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, reportedly collapsed in his office and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. The sudden incident, which occurred around 1:30 pm, sent shockwaves across government circles and triggered an urgent response from security personnel and medical teams

According to sources within the Government House, the Deputy Governor was holding a brief meeting with some aides when he suddenly became unwell. His close staff were said to have raised alarm, summoning medical personnel stationed within the premises. When his condition did not improve rapidly, he was conveyed in a government vehicle to the Federal Medical Centre for further evaluation.

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While the exact cause of the sudden health scare has not been officially disclosed, officials emphasize that the Deputy Governor is receiving the necessary medical attention. A senior government official, who asked not to be named, stated that the situation was being handled with “utmost professionalism and urgency,” adding that security operatives swiftly cordoned off the area to ensure smooth evacuation and avoid panic within the premises.

Residents of Yenagoa and political observers across Bayelsa State have been expressing concern, with many awaiting an official statement from the state government. Calls and messages circulated rapidly across social media platforms shortly after the news broke, sparking widespread speculation about the Deputy Governor’s condition. Government officials, however, have urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

In an attempt to manage the growing public anxiety, a senior aide in the Deputy Governor’s office assured journalists that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was stable and responding to medical checks. According to him, the medical team at FMC had commenced necessary assessments, and further details would be communicated through an official statement from the Governor’s office.

The Bayelsa State Government is expected to release a full briefing once doctors conclude their preliminary evaluations. Meanwhile, activities around the Federal Medical Centre saw increased movement as journalists, political aides, and concerned supporters attempted to gather updates. Hospital authorities, however, restricted access to protect the privacy of the Deputy Governor and maintain medical protocol.

Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who has served as Deputy Governor since 2020, is regarded as one of the key political figures in the current administration. Before his emergence as Deputy Governor, he served in the National Assembly as the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District. His active involvement in state matters, political stability efforts, and policy coordination has made him a central figure in the Douye Diri administration.

Political analysts note that any health scare involving a top-ranking member of the state executive naturally raises public concern, especially within a political atmosphere where leadership dynamics are closely watched. Some commentators have called for better health monitoring systems for public officials given the demanding nature of their schedules.

In Yenagoa, reactions have been mixed as supporters gather in clusters discussing the development. Many describe the incident as alarming, especially given the Deputy Governor’s public itinerary earlier in the week, which included several official engagements. Others expressed relief that he was immediately taken to a medical facility capable of handling emergencies.

Civil society groups also weighed in, urging transparency while respecting the Deputy Governor’s privacy. One organization, the Bayelsa Civic Watch Initiative, encouraged the state government to offer periodic updates to avoid misinformation. “Situations like this easily attract rumours, so timely and factual communication is important,” the group stated.

Medical experts note that sudden health episodes among public officials are not unusual, especially when workloads are intense. They advised the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until official reports are released.

As of Thursday evening, security presence at both the Government House and the Federal Medical Centre remained heightened, with movement controlled to ensure order. Top government officials, including members of the State Executive Council, were seen arriving at the hospital to show support.

Governor Douye Diri is expected to visit the medical centre once doctors give clearance. A source close to the government said the Governor has been fully briefed and is monitoring the situation closely.

The Bayelsa State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, is expected to issue a detailed statement later today or early Friday, addressing the Deputy Governor’s health status, next steps, and clarifying any circulating rumours.

For now, Bayelsa State remains on alert as citizens await official confirmation and reassurance. While the cause of the collapse remains unknown, hopes are high that the Deputy Governor will recover swiftly and resume his duties.