The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Peter Akpe as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Akpe, who served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri following the vacancy created by the death of the former deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Following his screening and confirmation by lawmakers, Akpe was sworn in, becoming the new second-in-command of the oil-rich Niger Delta state.
A seasoned public administrator and politician, Akpe is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He rose through the civil service to the rank of Director before transitioning into senior political roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff.
He holds a PhD and is widely known as a Christian minister, often addressed as Hon. (Dr) or Pastor Peter Akpe.
Governor Diri, while announcing the nomination earlier, said Akpe’s experience in governance and public service would strengthen his administration. “Dr Peter Akpe brings a wealth of experience, discipline and commitment to service. I am confident he will serve Bayelsa diligently,” the governor said.
Akpe’s confirmation follows the death of Ewhrudjakpo, whose passing shocked the state.
In a statement announcing the death, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the government received the news “with deep regret and profound shock.”
“The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement said.
Governor Diri subsequently declared three days of mourning, directed that flags be flown at half-mast, and described the incident as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.” He also ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The governor extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s wife, Beatrice, his children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of Bayelsa State.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also paid tribute to the late deputy governor, describing him as “a principled and consistent politician… a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity and strength of character.”
Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor until his death, having been elected alongside Diri and re-elected for a second term.
