Bayelsa Appoints Peter Akpe as New Deputy Governor

Bayelsa Appoints Peter Akpe as New Deputy Governor

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, filling the vacancy created by the death of former Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Akpe, who previously served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri.

A seasoned politician and public administrator, he is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and rose through the civil service to the rank of Director before taking on senior political roles, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff.

He holds a PhD and is also a Christian minister, often addressed as Hon. (Dr) or Pastor Peter Akpe.

The late Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo passed away suddenly while carrying out official duties.

The state government, through Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said, “The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.”

Governor Diri declared three days of mourning, directing that flags be flown at half-mast and describing Ewhrudjakpo’s death as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation.”

He also ordered an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death and extended condolences to the family, the Ofoni Federated Community, former governor Henry Seriake Dickson, and the people of the state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) praised the late deputy governor, describing him as “a principled and consistent politician, a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity and strength of character.”

Ewhrudjakpo served as Deputy Governor from 2020 until his death, having been elected alongside Governor Diri in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

With Akpe’s confirmation, Bayelsa now has a new deputy governor ready to continue the administration’s agenda and provide continuity in governance.