The newly appointed Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Akpe, has been sworn in in Yenagoa. He was sworn in alongside 18 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and one Commissioner into the State Executive Council. The ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
Dr. Akpe, until his nomination by Governor Douye Diri and subsequent confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, served as Chief of Staff, Government House. He becomes Bayelsa’s sixth Deputy Governor under the democratic dispensation since 1999, following the sudden passing of his predecessor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11, 2025.
Administering the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, urged the new Deputy Governor to ensure that his words and actions reflect the trust and confidence reposed in him by the Governor and the people of the state.
“I am convinced that the new Deputy Governor has all it takes to shoulder the responsibilities of this exalted office. I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to the Constitution of our great nation and to the people of Bayelsa State,” she stated.
In his address, Governor Diri explained that his choice of Dr. Akpe was guided by the need for continuity, competence, commitment, character and the fear of God. He noted that the swearing-in was in line with Section 191(3)(c) of the Constitution, which provides that the Governor shall nominate and, with the approval of the House of Assembly, appoint a new Deputy Governor when the office becomes vacant, as well as Section 193(1), which empowers the Governor to assign responsibilities to the Deputy Governor.
Governor Diri expressed confidence that Dr. Akpe would be a dependable partner in the Bayelsa project and urged the people of the state to accord him the needed support. He also commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the speedy approval of the nomination, describing legislative support as crucial to the success of his administration.
Also sworn in was the new Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Madam Joanna Gigi, who filled the vacancy created by the demise of Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei on December 30, 2024, as well as 18 Permanent Secretaries.
The Governor charged the new appointees to discharge their duties with integrity and transparency, noting that the civil service remains the bedrock and engine room of good governance and progress.
“I am pleased to affirm that we place confidence in our civil service in Bayelsa State. Commissioners serve as my representatives at the ministry level, and their leadership should not be questioned provided they act within their legal mandate,” he said.
He urged Bayelsans to support the appointees, stressing that their selection was based strictly on merit after rigorous assessments.
“With that achievement comes profound responsibility. I charge you to discharge your duties with utmost integrity and transparency, mindful that good governance translates directly into the prosperity of our dear state,” the Governor added.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries include Awana Raymond, Egbuson Amanda, Ogregade Ileimokumo, Josephine Ketebu-Thompson, Burutolu Samuel, Bamotei Zachaeus Anne, Dagogo Edmunson, Enuma Charles, Salbot Owil, Dr. Jones Stow, Pere Efeke, Doyowei Pulotua, Toloko Sylvester, Goodluck Ede-Alakere, Torutein Ovienadu, Ogbara Fanmene, Vincent Jonathan and Cole James.
0 Comments