Gov Diri Charges Akpe, New Appointees To Serve With
Integrity
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.
Dr. Akpe, until his nomination by Governor Douye Diri
and subsequent clearance by the state House of Assembly, was the 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.
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.
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.
Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
February 25, 2026
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