Senator Dickson mourns Ewhrudjakpor, says he’s irreplaceable

Dickson

By TIM TAMPAH

Yesterday, December 11, was one of my saddest days. I was already gearing up to be part of the screening of the ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs when I received a call about the medical emergency involving His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor. I spoke with his aides and the doctors, then left abruptly and came home to monitor the situation until the inevitable was announcedto me.

I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed yesterday. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.

Unlike others, Lawrence proved himself, especially at difficult times, as the ideologue I had mentored him to be over the years. I raised and mentored several, but Lawrence was the best. He was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learning, emotionally stable, mature and principled.

Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, for almost eight years he served as Commissioner for Works, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.

Then, by instance, I nominated him to run for the Senate, which he won. Later, I nominated him and the current Governor, who were then Senators. I pulled them out as Governorship candidates, which they also won. Lawrence remained the engine room—dutifully carrying out his work and supporting the Governor without complaint, and with maturity and tolerance.