YENAGOA: The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following his nomination by Governor Douye Diri.
Akpe’s confirmation fills the vacancy created by the death of the former Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away in December 2025 while still serving in office.
The confirmation came after the nominee appeared before lawmakers for screening, during which members of the Assembly assessed his administrative experience, legislative background and capacity to support the state’s governance structure.
The House subsequently approved his appointment, describing him as a seasoned public servant with vast knowledge of government operations.
Following Ewhrudjakpo’s death, Governor Diri had declared three days of mourning across the state and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast.
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The late deputy governor reportedly collapsed while heading to an official meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, and was later confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre. The governor also directed that an autopsy be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
Before his elevation to the office of deputy governor, Akpe served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, where he coordinated government activities and provided strategic administrative support to the governor.
Akpe is a seasoned administrator who began his career in the Bayelsa State Civil Service and rose through the ranks to become a director. His public service experience spans policy coordination, institutional management and governance implementation.
He previously served as a two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, contributing to legislative duties, constituency representation and oversight responsibilities. He later held key executive positions including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff before his appointment as substantive Chief of Staff.
Academically, he holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree alongside other qualifications in public administration and leadership. He is also a Christian minister and community leader, widely known as Hon. (Dr) Pastor Peter Akpe, with involvement in faith-based and humanitarian initiatives across the state.
Ewhrudjakpo served as deputy governor from 2020 until his death, having been elected alongside Governor Diri in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
With his confirmation, Akpe is expected to work closely with Governor Diri to ensure continuity in governance and sustain ongoing developmental programmes in Bayelsa State.
