A new chapter opened in Bayelsa’s political leadership on Wednesday as the state’s Chief Judge, Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, administered the oath of office to Dr. Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor.
The ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, also witnessed the swearing-in of a new commissioner and 18 permanent secretaries, in what Governor Douye Diri described as a renewed push for accountable and efficient governance.
Dr. Akpe steps into office following the death of his predecessor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025. Until his nomination, Akpe served as Chief of Staff at the Government House.
His appointment was ratified by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly after formal nomination by the governor.
With his inauguration, Akpe becomes the sixth deputy governor of Bayelsa State since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
While administering both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office, Justice Ayemieye urged the new deputy governor to live up to the confidence reposed in him.
She expressed optimism about his capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of the office, advising him to remain faithful to the Constitution and committed to the welfare of Bayelsans.
In his remarks, Governor Diri said his decision to nominate Akpe was driven by the need to preserve stability in government while prioritising competence, character and dedication.
He cited relevant constitutional provisions guiding the replacement of a deputy governor when the office becomes vacant, noting that due process was strictly followed.
According to him, the law empowers the governor to nominate a successor subject to legislative approval and to assign responsibilities as deemed necessary.
The governor expressed confidence that Akpe would be a dependable partner in advancing what he described as the “Bayelsa project.”
He called on citizens of the state to extend their support to the new deputy governor to ensure a seamless continuation of government programmes.
Diri also commended the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for their prompt confirmation of the nomination, describing the legislature’s cooperation as instrumental to his administration’s achievements.
The ceremony further saw the swearing-in of Madam Joanna Gigi as Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development.
She fills the vacancy created by the passing of the former commissioner, Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, in December 2024.
Eighteen new permanent secretaries were also inaugurated, reinforcing the administrative structure of the state’s civil service.
Addressing the appointees, Governor Diri underscored the central role of the civil service in governance, describing it as the engine room of policy implementation and development worldwide.
He affirmed his administration’s confidence in Bayelsa’s civil servants, stressing that their appointments followed a rigorous and merit-based selection process.
He reminded the commissioner and permanent secretaries that their elevation comes with significant responsibility.
According to him, integrity, transparency and professionalism must guide their conduct, as effective governance directly impacts the prosperity and stability of the state.
The governor further clarified that commissioners act as his representatives at the ministerial level and should be accorded due authority within the confines of the law.
He reassured the public that political considerations did not influence the appointments, maintaining that competence and proven dedication were the determining factors.
With the new deputy governor and senior officials formally assuming office, the state government signalled its intention to consolidate existing policies while strengthening institutional capacity across ministries and departments.
