Why I Chose Akpe as Deputy Governor – Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said he made no mistake in choosing Dr. Peter Akpe as his deputy, describing him as a “square peg in a square hole” with the capacity, loyalty and humility required to serve in the position.

Diri stated this on Sunday at a grand reception organised by the people of Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state in honour of the Deputy Governor.

The governor said the large turnout at the event demonstrated the acceptance and affection Akpe enjoys among his people, noting that appointing an individual was different from having that person accepted and celebrated by the community.

“I believe I made no mistake when I zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event is a confirmation of my decision in appointing him as my deputy. It is one thing to announce the appointment of a person and it is another for that person to be accepted and celebrated,” Diri said.

He commended the people of Ebedebiri and the Tarakiri Kingdom for organising the reception, describing it as a demonstration of love, unity and solidarity.

Diri also praised Akpe for his humility, competence and commitment to his roots, describing him as the

“people’s deputy governor.”

According to the governor, Akpe’s journey from a humble background to his current position is a demonstration that there is hope for those who remain committed to their aspirations.

“We all heard Akpe’s story from a very humble beginning. If God can turn things around for him and his family, there is still hope with your situation. My choice of him was guided by God. He does not only have capacity, he is also loyal and humble,” he said.

The governor urged the people to promote initiatives that would positively impact their communities and shun activities capable of creating division.

In his remarks, Akpe expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve as his deputy.

“From the depth of my heart, my family and Ebedebiri community, I thank God and the governor for choosing me as his deputy. May God continue to uphold and strengthen you.

“Working with you, I have learnt the lessons of accommodating people, patience and peaceful disposition towards all,” Akpe said.

He also thanked the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, who chaired the event, as well as the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, legislators, traditional rulers, members of his community and the clergy for their support and counsel.

Lokpobiri, in his remarks, commended Governor Diri for finding Akpe worthy of serving as his deputy, saying the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District were proud of his performance in office.

The minister noted that Akpe had gained extensive experience in governance, having served in various capacities, including councillor, administrator, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff at Government House and now Deputy Governor.

“On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy,” Lokpobiri said.

The guest of honour and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, who was represented by Dr. Danjuma Omeje, also expressed confidence in Akpe’s capacity and prayed for his success in office.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa Central; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Warman Ogoriba; and representative of Constituency 1 in Sagbama Local Government Area, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey.

The speakers described Akpe as a principled, competent, unassuming and open-minded leader.

They also commended Governor Diri for his choice of deputy and pledged their support for the Prosperity Government in achieving its mandate.