Dr. Peter Pereotubo Akpe was formally sworn in as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa, assuming office to serve out the remaining two years of the current administration.
The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, in a brief but solemn ceremony witnessed by top government officials, family members, religious leaders, and members of the State Executive Council. At the same event, one commissioner and 18 permanent secretaries were also sworn in to their respective positions.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks at the swearing-in, paid glowing tribute to the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who died on December 11, 2025, and received a full state burial. “The former occupant of this office, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, 11 December 2025, was given a full state burial and has been laid to rest. Let me thank the state and all stakeholders for working together in unity of purpose during that period of mourning,” the governor said.
Diri explained that his choice of Akpe followed deep reflection and divine guidance. “After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr. Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor to the House of Assembly. If you look at our dressing today, it is divinely instructive. We never planned to wear similar outfits. After nominating him for this high assignment, the Assembly considered his nomination with the speed of light, and today we are witnessing his swearing-in as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” he stated.
The governor highlighted the criteria that guided his decision: competence, character, and a strong faith background. “I prayed and looked for competency, character and someone with a God-fearing background, and I found that in one person, Peter Akpe, PhD. Let me thank the Assembly for its speedy consideration and clearance,” he added.
Akpe, an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), brings a diverse background in public service to the office. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Governor Diri, Commissioner under former Governor Seriake Dickson, and as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He also held senior positions in both the Rivers and Bayelsa State Civil Services.
Governor Diri assured the new deputy governor of his full support and urged him to uphold the oath of office with integrity. “As Deputy Governor, be assured of my full support. I believe you will be a reliable confidant in fulfilling the promises we made to the people of this state. Let us remain united and prayerful as we work together for the good and betterment of Bayelsa State.”
“I charge you to be mindful of the solemn oath of office and discharge your duties for the betterment of the state. Let your words and actions repose the confidence placed in you by the people, lead with honour and empathy, and prioritise the wellbeing of our state,” the governor concluded.
The swift nomination, screening, and confirmation process by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly—completed within days of the late deputy governor’s burial—underscores the administration’s desire for continuity and stability in governance. Akpe’s assumption of office is widely seen as a move to maintain momentum on key priorities, including infrastructure development, security, education, health, youth empowerment, and environmental remediation in the oil-rich but ecologically challenged Niger Delta state.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and senior government functionaries, reflecting broad support for the new deputy governor within the Prosperity Administration.
With Akpe now in place, attention shifts to how the administration will accelerate ongoing projects and address lingering challenges such as youth unemployment, flood management, and economic diversification in the remaining two years of the term.
