The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed Pastor Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor of Bayelsa State, filling the vacancy created by the death of his predecessor last December.
Akpe, an ordained cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was screened and approved by lawmakers following his nomination by Governor Douye Diri. The confirmation clears the way for his swearing-in.
Before his nomination, Akpe served as chief of staff to Diri. He has had a career spanning the civil service and politics, having worked in both the Rivers and Bayelsa state civil services before transitioning fully into partisan politics.
He was a two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2019, serving as majority leader throughout his tenure in the legislature. He also served as commissioner between 2008 and 2011 under the administration of former governor Seriake Dickson.
The deputy governorship position became vacant following the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away in December 2025. His death prompted constitutional procedures requiring the governor to nominate a replacement subject to legislative approval.
Akpe’s confirmation restores the full executive structure of the state government. Bayelsa, one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region, has faced ongoing fiscal and development challenges, making political continuity a priority for the administration.
Lawmakers said the approval followed due process, paving the way for the formal inauguration of the new deputy governor in line with constitutional provisions.
