The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, on Wednesday, swore in Dr. Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor of the state.
The ceremony took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa.
ntil Akpe’s nomination by Governor Douye Diri and subsequent clearance by the state House of Assembly, was the Chief of Staff, Government House.
He became Bayelsa’s sixth deputy governor under the democratic dispensation from 1999, following the sudden demise of his predecessor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11, 2025.
While administering the oath of office and the oath of allegiance, Justice Ayemieye urged the new deputy governor to ensure that his words and actions serve as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the governor.
“I am very convinced that the new deputy governor has all it takes to shoulder the responsibilities of the exalted office. I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to the Constitution of our great nation and to the people of Bayelsa State,” the Chief Judge stated.
Governor Diri, while delivering his charge to his new deputy, said his choice was guided by the need for continuity, competence, commitment, character and the fear of God.
He noted that swearing in the deputy governor was in line with Section 191(3)(c), which provided that “the Governor shall nominate and, with the approval of the House of Assembly of the State, appoint a new Deputy Governor,” when that office becomes vacant, as well as Section 193(1): “that the Governor of the State, may in his discretion assign State responsibilities to the Deputy Governor, including the administration of any department of Government.”
He expressed confidence that Akpe will be a dependable partner in the Bayelsa project and urged people of the state to accord him the needed support to enable him succeed in his role.
Governor Diri also commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the speedy approval of his nomination, saying the support of the state legislature has been crucial to the success story of his administration.
Also sworn in were a new Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Madam Joanna Gigi, and 18 permanent secretaries.
Madam Gigi filled the vacancy created by the demise of the former commissioner, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei, on December 30, 2024.
Governor Diri urged the new appointees to discharge their duties with utmost integrity, transparency and be mindful that good governance translates directly into the prosperity of the state.
He said the civil service throughout the world was the bedrock and the engine room of sound governance and progress.
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He said: “I am pleased to affirm that we place confidence in our own civil service here in Bayelsa State. I deem it a fortunate coincidence that we are swearing in a commissioner alongside the permanent secretaries.
”Permit me to underscore that commissioners serve as my representatives at the ministry level and as such, their leadership should not be questioned provided they act within the legal mandate.”
While urging Bayelsans to support the new appointees, he stated that there was no political interference in their choice as they were picked on merit.
”Your appointments followed very rigorous assessments, as you all can attest. This is a practical demonstration of your own competence. It is exemplified in your professionalism, dedication and ability.
”With that achievement, however, comes very profound responsibilities. I charge you to discharge your duties with the utmost integrity, transparency, mindful always that good governance at this level translates directly into the prosperity of our dear state.”
The new permanent secretaries are Awana Raymond, Egbuson Amanda, Ogregade Ileimokumo, Josephine Ketebu-Thompson, Burutolu Samuel, Bamotei Zachaeus Anne, Dagogo Edmunson, Enuma Charles and Salbot Owil.
Others are Dr. Jones Stow, Pere Efeke, Doyowei Pulotua, Toloko Sylvester, Goodluck Ede-Alakere, Torutein Ovienadu, Ogbara Fanmene, Vincent Jonathan and Cole James.
