The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has officially confirmed Peter Akpe as the state’s new Deputy Governor, filling the vacancy left by the passing of former Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in December 2025.
Akpe, previously serving as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri to step into the deputy governorship.
The confirmation process was completed amid widespread approval from the state legislature.
A veteran public administrator and politician, Akpe is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and has risen through the civil service ranks to the position of Director before entering senior political roles.
His career trajectory includes serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff, reflecting extensive experience in governance.
In addition to his administrative background, Akpe holds a PhD and is recognised as a Christian minister, often addressed with the honorifics Hon. (Dr) or Pastor Peter Akpe.
His dual engagement in public service and religious leadership underscores his influence in both civic and community spheres.
The appointment followed the untimely death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed while attending to official duties in December 2025 and later died at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.
In response, Governor Diri declared three days of mourning, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, and commissioned an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Tributes poured in for Ewhrudjakpo, who served as deputy governor from 2020 until his passing, having been first elected alongside Governor Diri in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described him as “a principled and consistent politician, a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character.”
Governor Diri extended condolences to Ewhrudjakpo’s family, including his wife Beatrice, their children, and the broader Ofoni Federated Community, while praying for comfort and resilience for all affected.
With Akpe now confirmed, the administration aims to ensure continuity in governance and maintain stability in Bayelsa State’s executive functions.
Observers noted that Akpe’s experience, both in public service and political leadership, positions him to support the governor effectively and advance the state’s development agenda.
