Governor Douye Diri, on Wednesday, swore in the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, alongside four commissioners and 14 permanent secretaries at the State Executive Council Chamber in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The ceremony followed the confirmation of Dr. Akpe’s nomination by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The event also marked a significant moment for the state government as it moved to fully reconstitute key positions in the executive arm.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony, Governor Diri paid tribute to the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025, and was given a state burial.
He said, “The former occupant of this office, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, 11 December, was given a full state burial and has been laid to rest. Let me thank the state and stakeholders for working together in purpose during the demise.”
The governor explained that after seeking divine direction, he forwarded Dr. Akpe’s name to the Assembly for consideration and thanked lawmakers for their swift approval.
“After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr Peter Akpe as the deputy governor to the House of Assembly. If you look at our dressing today, it’s s divinely instructive, we never planned to wear a similar outfit today.
“This is divinely instructive, after nominating him for this high assignment, the Assembly considered his nomination with a speed of light and today we witness the swearingin as required by the constitution of Nigeria as amended.
“I prayed and looked for competency, character, and someone who is God-fearing, and I found that in one person called Peter Akpe, PhD. Let me thank the Assembly for your speedy consideration and clearance,” he said.
Governor Diri assured the new Deputy Governor of his support and urged him to remain faithful to his oath of office and work in unity for the progress of the state.
He said, “As the Deputy Governor, be assured of my full support. l believe you will be a reliable confidant in fulfilling the promises made to the people of the state. Let us be united, prayerful as we work together for the good and betterment of the state.
“I charge you to be mindful of the solemn oath of office, discharge these duties for the betterment of the state, and let the words you speak reposed the confidence imposed on you by the people of the state to lead with honour and empathy and make the well-being of our state.”
The ceremony also featured the inauguration of four commissioners and 14 permanent secretaries, further strengthening the state’s administrative structure.
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