Jonathan mourns Prof. Ekpebu, renowned scholar, diplomat

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has paid tribute to late Professor Lawrence Baraebibai Ekpebu, a renowned scholar and diplomat who died at the age of 86 years.
The former President described late Ekpebu as an illustrious academic and diplomat who distinguished himself in service to the nation.
In a condolence letter he personally signed, Dr. Jonathan wrote: “I condole with the Ekpebu family  and the Bayelsa State Government over the demise of Professor Lawrence Baraebibai Ekpebu. He was an academic and diplomat renowned for his excellence and contributions to peace and development in Nigeria.
“Prof. Ekpebu was an outstanding  academic who worked as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan and rose to the pinnacle of his career. He also served as a Commissioner of Finance in the Old Rivers State under the administration of  the first Military Governor,  King Alfred Diete -Spiff.
“He was  a symbol of honour  and pride, not just to his ethnic group, the Ijaw nation,  but to Nigeria at large for his outstanding academic records and diplomatic astuteness, especially during his time as Nigeria’s ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire.
“Prof.Ekpebu  will be greatly missed by many across Nigeria, as he was a man of selfless service and love for his country and people.
“I pray that God will grant his family, friends  and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. I urge them to take solace in the legacies of the departed statesman, who lived a life of accomplishment to the glory of God.”