Bayelsa State Chief Judge Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, yesterday, administered the oath of office to the state’s new deputy governor, Pastor Peter Akpe.

The ceremony took place inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa.

Until his nomination and confirmation by the State House of Assembly, as the Deputy Governor, Akpe was Chief of Staff, Government House.

He becomes 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.

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 Douye Diri, in his charge to his new deputy, said his choice was guided by the need for continuity, competence, commitment, character and fear of God.

He noted that swearing in the deputy governor was in line with Section 191(3)©, 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 the people of the state to accord him the needed support to enable him to succeed in his role.

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.

Diri urged the new appointees to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and 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.

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.

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. (Vanguard)

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