The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has formally approved the appointment of Peter Akpe as the state’s new Deputy Governor, a move that follows the unexpected death of the previous officeholder.
The legislative body granted its consent during a plenary session on Tuesday, as required by the state constitution. Akpe’s nomination by Governor Douye Diri was therefore confirmed, allowing him to be sworn into the office.
This approval culminated a sequence of events that began in December 2025, when the former Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, suddenly slumped and died. Ewhrudjakpo was subsequently buried on January 30, 2026, in his hometown of Ofoni in the Sagbama Local Government Area. His passing created a constitutional vacancy in the deputy governor’s position.
Prior to his nomination, Peter Akpe served as Chief of Staff to Governor Diri. Beyond his political role, Akpe is also known as a pastor, bringing a blend of administrative and community leadership experience to the deputy governorship. His appointment underscores the governor’s choice for a close aide with established operational knowledge of the state executive branch.
The swift filling of the deputy governor’s seat ensures continuity in the executive leadership of Bayelsa State. As Deputy Governor, Akpe is constitutionally positioned to support the governor in administration and to preside over the state’s Executive Council in the governor’s absence. His immediate next step will be the formal oath of office, after which he will assume the full responsibilities of the role.
This transition occurs within the current political term of Governor Diri’s administration. The appointment highlights the process by which state executives can replace a vice-governor, a power vested in the governor subject to legislative endorsement. For the people of Bayelsa State, the development signals a return to a complete executive team following a period of mourning for the late deputy governor. Akpe’s tenure will now focus on supporting the governor’s agenda and representing the administration across the state’s communities.
