By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was on Thursday rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, after collapsing in his office at the Government House.
The sudden incident threw the Government House into panic, sparking widespread concern among staff, residents, and top government officials.
As of press time, there was no official statement from his media aide, Mr. Doubra Atazi, but multiple sources confirmed that the collapse occurred at about 1:30pm.
Insiders revealed that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was attending to routine engagements when he suddenly slumped, triggering an immediate response from aides and security personnel.
One eyewitness described the deputy governor’s condition as “disturbing” when he was rushed into the emergency ward of the hospital.
Hospital sources later confirmed that he was stabilised and subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for closer monitoring.
Although the exact cause of the medical emergency remains unknown, unconfirmed reports suggest it may be linked to a possible cardiac complication.
Another source close to the deputy governor hinted that excessive stress could be a factor, noting, “He works tirelessly. He really needs rest.”
Following his admission, security agents cordoned off parts of the hospital as government officials, political allies, and clerics stormed the facility to pray for his recovery.
Access to the hospital has been restricted, with visitors and non-essential staff barred from the premises to allow medical personnel focus solely on the deputy governor’s condition.
The incident comes amid reports of a strained relationship between Senator Ewhrudjakpo and Governor Douye Diri after the governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move Ewhrudjakpo reportedly refused to join.