The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, yesterday, swore in Dr Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of the state.
 
The ceremony was held inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa.
   
Akpe, until his nomination by Governor Douye Diri and subsequent clearance by the state House of Assembly, was the Chief of Staff to the governor.
 
He became Bayelsa’s sixth deputy governor under the democratic dispensation from 1999, following the sudden demise of his predecessor, 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.
 
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.”
 
Diri 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 to succeed in his role.
 
The governor 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.
 
Gigi filled the vacancy left by the former Commissioner, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei, who passed away on December 30, 2024.
 
Diri urged the new appointees to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and transparency, and to be mindful that good governance directly translates into the prosperity of the state.
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He said the civil service worldwide is the bedrock and engine room of sound governance and progress.