Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has ordered every member of the State Executive Council to undergo compulsory medical check-up.
Speaking during the first state executive council meeting in 2026, Diri said that the directive became imperative in the light of the recent death of the deputy governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
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He said that as public officers with hectic schedules, it was necessary for them to undergo regular health checks to ensure that they were medically fit at all times and to prevent avoidable death.
Diri noted that although death was inevitable, humans could still take preventive measures to enjoy good health and long life.
He disclosed that an autopsy on the late deputy governor had been conducted and that the result would be made public at the right time.
While again cautioning against politicising the death of the deputy governor, he stated that a burial committee headed by Secretary to the State Government had been constituted and that a date for the funeral would be announced soon.
“We thank everyone that grieved with us and pray that in 2026, we will celebrate and not mourn.
“All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death. Members of the state executive council, go and do compulsory check up. This is a directive that must be carried out.
“I directed that an autopsy be conducted and the result is ready. At the right time, we will make it public.
“While we were mourning, some people were politicising the death of our deputy governor instead of showing love and compassion. This was not expected in our state,” he said.
(NAN)