Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said his decision to appoint Dr. Peter Akpe as his deputy was not a mistake, describing him as a competent, loyal and humble politician whose appointment had been vindicated by his performance in office.
Diri spoke at a grand reception organised by the people of Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area to honour Akpe.
The governor, who was represented at the event by top government officials and political stakeholders, said the large turnout for the reception demonstrated the acceptance and goodwill enjoyed by the deputy governor among his people.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri commended the Ebedebiri community for celebrating one of its sons, saying the event was a demonstration of love, solidarity and unity.
He described Akpe as the “people’s deputy governor”, noting that he had distinguished himself through humility, capacity and a strong connection with his roots.
Diri said, “I believe I made no mistake when I zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event is a confirmation of my decision in appointing him as my deputy.
“It is one thing to announce the appointment of a person and it is another for that person to be accepted and celebrated. Today, I join my deputy in expressing gratitude to Ebedebiri community for putting together this well-organised reception.
“We are happy with the large turnout. Akpe is a square peg in a square hole.”
The governor urged the people to promote initiatives that would positively impact their communities, while discouraging activities capable of creating division.
Diri said Akpe’s humble background and rise to the position of deputy governor demonstrated that there was hope for people who remained committed to their aspirations.
According to him, “My choice of him was guided by God. He does not only have capacity, he is also loyal and humble.”
Responding, Akpe expressed gratitude to Diri for reposing confidence in him and giving him the opportunity to serve as deputy governor.
He also thanked members of his family, the Ebedebiri community, traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders for their support and counsel.
“From the depth of my heart, my family and Ebedebiri community, I thank God and the governor for choosing me as his deputy. May God continue to uphold and strengthen you,” Akpe said.
He added that working with Diri had taught him valuable lessons in accommodation, patience and peaceful engagement with people.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who chaired the occasion, commended Diri for finding Akpe worthy of serving as his deputy.
Lokpobiri said the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District were proud of Akpe’s performance, noting that his extensive experience in public administration had prepared him for the responsibilities of his current office.
He recalled that Akpe had served the state in various capacities, including councillor, administrator, Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chief of Staff, Government House, before becoming deputy governor.
The minister said, “On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy.”
The guest of honour, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, represented by Dr Danjuma Omeje, expressed confidence in Akpe’s capacity and prayed for his continued success in office.
Other speakers, including Senator Konbowei Benson, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi; APC State Chairman, Warman Ogoriba; and a representative of Constituency 1 in Sagbama LGA, Dr Ayakeme Whiskey, described Akpe as principled, competent, unassuming and open-minded.
They also commended Diri for his choice of deputy and pledged their support for the administration’s development agenda.
The event attracted several political and traditional leaders, including Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi; Hon. Mitema Obordor; Hon. Oforji Oboku; former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.); Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; and APC Bayelsa East Senatorial candidate, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli.
Others were the APC candidate for Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency, Dr Jonathan Obuebite; Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; and Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Seyifa Koroye.
