From: Kariyai Daukoru
To: His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri
Subject: A Demand for Transparency in the Autopsy of the Late Deputy Governor, Sir Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Your Excellency,
Bayelsa State is in mourning, but mourning does not suspend reasoning. It does not silence legitimate questions. It does not replace accountability. And it certainly does not prevent citizens from demanding clarity when a sitting deputy governor collapses and dies within Government House. Few hours after the viral call for an independent medico-legal autopsy on the late Deputy Governor,
According to The Punch Newspaper, you stated:
“I have directed that an autopsy be carried out to reveal the cause of his death. There is a lot of nonsense going on on social media. This is a time to mourn him, not to speculate.”
These are your published words, and they form the basis of my concerns.
In my view, the justification you offered, that the autopsy was ordered because of “nonsense” circulating on social media, is troubling. A deputy governor is not an ordinary citizen. His sudden death in the seat of power should, by default, trigger an immediate, transparent, and independent medico‑legal investigation. That is the global standard. That is the democratic standard. That is the moral standard.
When the stated motivation for an autopsy appears reactive rather than proactive, it naturally raises questions among right‑thinking citizens. Questions are not disrespect. Questions are not speculation. Questions are the foundation of accountability.
It is also my opinion that the communication surrounding his death has been inadequate. The fact that his political party announced his passing before the state government, the very institution he served, creates an avoidable perception of disorganization and detachment. Whether intended or not, it sends the wrong message about how the state values its own leadership. Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor collapsed in the Government House, not at the PDP Secretariat. It is therefore reasonable to ask why the party, rather than the state government he served, was the first to shape the public narrative of his passing. Was there an agreement between the party and the government?
Your Excellency, this moment is bigger than emotion. It is about precedent. If the death of a sitting deputy governor can be handled in a manner that leaves room for doubt, then no public office holder, and no citizen, can be confident in the systems meant to protect truth.
This is why my earlier letter called not merely for an autopsy, but for an independent medico‑legal autopsy. Independence is not an accusation. Independence is a safeguard. It protects the integrity of the process and shields the government itself from suspicion.
I therefore strongly urge that credible independent bodies, such as the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Council, or other recognized forensic institutions, be formally involved in the autopsy. Anything less will not satisfy the demands of transparency that this moment requires.
To the family and friends of the late Sir Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, I extend my deepest condolences. He was widely regarded as a good man. And good men deserve truth. When John F. Kennedy died, his brother Robert fought to preserve the integrity of his legacy. I am not asking any of you to enter politics. I am asking you to insist on clarity. Honour demands it. Justice demands it. His memory demands it. Sir Lawrence Died in Government House. The Autopsy Must Not Be Left in Government Hands Alone.
When Power Loses a Man, Truth Must Not Be the Next Casualty.
My name is Kariyai Daukoru , and I will continue to ask the questions many Bayelsa youths hesitate to ask.
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