AUTOPSY ORDERED OVER SOCIAL MEDIA NONSENSE? BAYELSA DESERVES MORE-KARIYAI DAUKORU

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.

DEATH OF LAWRENCE EWHRUDJAKPO DEPUTY GOVERNOR BAYELSA STATE AND QUESTIONS RAISED

Bayelsa State is experiencing one of its most turbulent political periods in recent memory. Within a single year, several developments have raised public concern and created an atmosphere of uncertainty.

A former governor is reportedly facing investigations by the EFCC. A sitting governor has defected to the opposition party, taking much of the government structure along with him, an unprecedented political shift in the state.

Sahara reporters report millions of BAYELSA'S common wealth spent lavishly abroad. 

Around the same period, there were widespread rumours that the House of Assembly was considering impeachment proceedings against the Deputy Governor, allegedly linked to his refusal to join the same political party. Reports also circulated that he filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025.

In that same year, the only senior government figure who did not defect to the APC died suddenly. 

And although the arrest of Aye Egberi drew significant public attention, it has not produced the broader civic conversation many expected. For many Bayelsans, the arrest of a young citizen for alleged defamation, something not known to have occurred under previous administrations has created a chilling effect. Whether intended or not, it has taught the public about the legal boundaries of defamation while simultaneously discouraging young people from speaking openly about governance. Youths became cautious, fearful, and silent.

The last time Bayelsa experienced this level of political tension was during the era when DSP Alamieyeseigha was to politically dessimated. Understandably, citizens are asking: What exactly is happening in Bayelsa State?

This brings us to the question of the Deputy Governor’s death.

On 15 September 2025, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo posted a parable:

 “If the only way to save the first wife’s child is by taking the father’s testicle, we must first ask the second wife’s permission.”

Today, we are left to ask: have they taken the testicles of the father and silenced the second wife who refused to give her permission, all in the name of saving the first wife’s child?

At the time, many could not confidently interpret it. In hindsight, it reads like the reflection of a man under immense political pressure. He did not go to the public to announce that he was being threatened. Instead, he took the lawful route, he filed a suit in court. And because he chose not to rant publicly, he expressed himself through a parable.

When individuals sense danger within their home, they rarely announce it directly. They leave signs, subtle, indirect, but meaningful. If the Deputy Governor felt threatened, it is unlikely he would have come out to declare it openly.

I am not alleging that any specific person or group is responsible. I am not asserting that a crime has occurred.  

I am stating what the law itself requires:

Under Nigerian law, any sudden, unexplained death, especially of a public official, must be followed by a mandatory autopsy and a thorough investigation.

This is not speculation.  

It is constitutional duty.

The purpose of such an investigation is simple:

1. To determine the cause of death  

2. To rule out foul play  

3. To maintain public trust  

4. To protect the integrity of the state  

Only the government, through lawful processes, can determine what happened.  

And only transparency can restore public confidence at a time when Bayelsa desperately needs it.

This is not an accusation.  

It is an inquiry.  

And inquiry is the foundation of democracy.

This brief does not claim that the Deputy Governor was murdered.  

It asks whether the circumstances justify deeper inquiry.

1. Was the Deputy Governor under political pressure at the time of his death?

2. What was the content and purpose of the suit filed at the Federal High Court?

3. Did he have any known medical conditions that could explain a sudden collapse?

4. What were the timelines between collapse, evacuation, and pronouncement of death?

5. Has an autopsy been conducted?  

If so, what were the findings?  

If not, why not?

 

6. Why was there initial silence from the government, while the party announced the death first?

These are investigative leads, not conclusions.

My name is Kariyai Daukoru, and based on the sequence of events, the political climate, and the legal obligations surrounding sudden deaths, it is my considered opinion that the circumstances of the Deputy Governor’s death require a full, transparent, and lawful investigation.

I am not alleging that any individual or group is responsible.  

I am not asserting that a crime has occurred.  

I am asserting that:

The law requires answers.

The public deserves clarity.

Transparency is the only path to restoring trust in Bayelsa State.

While I see posts rushing to replace him, I feel the need to first understand why he is dead. 

This is not speculation.  

It is civic duty. Rest in Peace Sir Lawrence EWHRUDJAKPO, every one I know that has ever met you, said you were a good man and when a good man falls under sudden circumstances, good men should ask questions, not rush to replace him. 

My name is 

Kariyai Daukoru