Bayelsa State Appoints New Deputy Governor
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has officially appointed Pastor (Hon.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe, a provincial pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), as the new Deputy Governor following the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in December 2025.
The appointment of Pastor Akpe, who previously served as the Chief of Staff at Government House, comes after the untimely passing of the former Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed and died in his office on 11th December 2025. Senator Ewhrudjakpo was laid to rest on 30th January 2026.
Pastor Akpe: A Profile of Leadership
Pastor Akpe currently serves as the Pastor in charge of RCCG Province 1 in Yenagoa. His appointment as Deputy Governor-designate has received the necessary approval from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere read a formal letter from Governor Diri, confirming the appointment. Upon his brief appearance before the Assembly, Pastor Akpe was accorded the honour of taking a bow and leaving, a tradition reserved for former lawmakers.
Pastor Akpe is a prominent figure in Bayelsa State politics, having previously held the position of Majority Leader in the State House of Assembly. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff. Interestingly, both Pastor Akpe and Governor Diri share maternal roots in the Ayamasa community within Ekeremor Local Government Area.
Extensive Public Service Record
Hailing from Ebedebiri in the Sagbama Local Government Area, Pastor Akpe boasts a long and distinguished career in both the Bayelsa State civil service and its legislature. Before entering active politics, he held several crucial positions in the civil service.
His past roles include Head of Administration in the Office of the Deputy Governor from 2006 to 2007, and a Commissioner with the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Service Commission. Akpe is widely recognised as a seasoned educator, an experienced lawmaker, and a strategic political operative, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role.