Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has directed all cabinet members to undergo compulsory medical examinations.
Diri gave the directive during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Yenagoa, instructing the Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, to ensure that every member of the state executive council complied with the medical check.
He explained that the directive became necessary in light of the recent death of his deputy, noting that public officers with hectic schedules should have regular health checks to ensure medical fitness and prevent avoidable deaths.
“All of us must be careful about our health so we can prevent avoidable death. Members of the State Executive Council, go now and do compulsory check-up. This is a directive that must be carried out,” the governor said.
Diri added that while death was inevitable, preventive measures could help individuals maintain good health and longevity.
He disclosed that an autopsy had been conducted on the late deputy governor and that the results would be made public at the appropriate time.
It would be recalled that the deputy governor of the state, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed in office and died on December 11, 2025, plunging the state into mourning and raising public concerns about the circumstances of his passing.
The governor cautioned against politicising the deputy governor’s death, stating: “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 also announced the constitution of a burial committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, and said the burial date would be announced soon.
