The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Dr. Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Dr. Akpe was until his nomination and confirmation the Chief of Staff, Government House. His appointment followed the clearance by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Dr. Akpe becomes the sixth deputy governor of Bayelsa State in the current democratic dispensation that began in 1999. He succeeds the late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025.
While administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance, Justice Ayemieye urged the new Deputy Governor to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I am convinced that the new Deputy Governor has the capacity 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 remarks, Governor Diri said his choice of Akpe was guided by continuity, competence, commitment, character, and the fear of God.
He explained that the appointment was in line with Section 191(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to nominate and, with the approval of the State House of Assembly, appoint a new deputy governor when the office becomes vacant. He also cited Section 193(1), which allows the governor to assign responsibilities to the deputy governor.
Governor Diri expressed confidence that Akpe would be a dependable partner in advancing the state’s development agenda and urged Bayelsans to support him in his new role. He also commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nomination.
At the ceremony, a new Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Madam Joanna Gigi, was also sworn in. She replaces the late Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, who died on December 30, 2024.
Additionally, 18 new permanent secretaries took their oaths of office.
Governor Diri charged the new appointees to serve with integrity, transparency, and professionalism, stressing that good governance directly translates into the prosperity of the state.
He described the civil service as the bedrock and engine room of sound governance and development, noting that commissioners serve as his representatives at the ministry level and are expected to operate within their legal mandates.
The governor emphasised that the appointments were based strictly on merit following rigorous assessments, urging the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The newly sworn-in permanent secretaries are 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.
