Governor Douye Diri on Wednesday officially unveiled Dr. Peter Akpe as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, following his clearance by the State House of Assembly.
Akpe’s swearing-in ceremony was held at the State Executive Council Chamber in Yenagoa. The event also featured the inauguration of four commissioners and 14 permanent secretaries.
The appointment comes after the passing of the former Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on December 11 and was accorded a full state burial.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Diri paid tribute to the late Ewhrudjakpo and thanked stakeholders across the state for their unity and support during the period of mourning.
“After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr. Peter Akpe to the House of Assembly,” the governor said. “The Assembly considered his nomination with remarkable speed, and today we are witnessing his swearing-in as required by the Constitution.”
Diri explained that his choice of Akpe was guided by qualities such as competence, integrity, and fear of God.
“I prayed and looked for competency, character, and someone who was God-fearing, and I found that in Peter Akpe,” he stated, while appreciating the Assembly for its swift confirmation.
The governor assured the new deputy governor of his full support, expressing confidence that Akpe would serve as a dependable partner in delivering on the administration’s promises to the people.
He urged the new deputy governor to uphold the oath of office and lead with honour, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Be mindful of the solemn oath you have taken. Discharge your duties for the betterment of our state and justify the confidence reposed in you by the people,” Diri charged.
The ceremony marked a significant moment in Bayelsa’s political leadership, as the administration moves forward with a renewed team to complete its remaining two years in office.
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