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COAS Mourns Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Applauds Diri’s Support for Troops
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has expressed deep condolences to the Bayelsa State Government and people over the death of the state’s Deputy Governor, late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, describing the loss as painful and significant to both the state and the nation.
The Army Chief spoke on Thursday, during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa, as part of his maiden operational tour of the 6 Division Area of Responsibility, which covers Bayelsa State.
General Shaibu said the late Deputy Governor’s passing in December 2025 was a profound loss, urging the government and people of the state to remain steadfast in prayers and support for the bereaved family. He noted that the Nigerian Army shares in the grief of Bayelsa, given the Deputy Governor’s contributions to governance and stability.
COAS also commended Governor Diri for the sustained support of the Bayelsa State Government to Nigerian Army formations in the state, particularly 16 Brigade. According to him, such cooperation has remained critical to operational effectiveness, troop welfare and the maintenance of peace and security.
He specifically praised the Bayelsa State Government for the construction and donation of nine units of three-bedroom Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) quarters and two blocks of nine units of two-bedroom Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) apartments for troops of 16 Brigade. General Shaibu described the intervention as timely, impactful and morale-boosting.
The Army Chief noted that the accommodation facilities would significantly ease housing challenges faced by personnel, enhance their well-being and improve operational efficiency within the Brigade. He also observed notable infrastructural improvements across Bayelsa State since his last visit about five years ago, describing the progress as commendable.
General Shaibu assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army’s continued collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government to sustain peace, security and stability across the state and the wider 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
In his response, Governor Diri appreciated the COAS for the visit and the show of solidarity over the demise of the Deputy Governor. He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Bayelsa State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The Governor commended the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that sustained collaboration between the military, security agencies and the state government has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace in Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri formally handed over the newly completed accommodation facilities to the Nigerian Army and pledged continued commitment to improving the welfare of troops deployed in the state.
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