The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, has sworn in Dr. Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of the state, following his nomination and confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The ceremony, which held on Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, also witnessed the inauguration of a new Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Madam Joanna Gigi, alongside 18 newly appointed permanent secretaries.
Dr. Akpe, who previously served as Chief of Staff, Government House, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri after the demise of the former Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11, 2025.
Administering the oath of office and allegiance, Justice Ayemieye urged the new deputy governor to justify the confidence reposed in him and remain committed to the Constitution and the people of Bayelsa State.
“I am convinced that the new deputy governor has the capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of this exalted office. Let your actions reflect the trust placed in you,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Diri explained that the appointment was in line with constitutional provisions, particularly Section 191(3)(c), which empowers a governor to nominate a new deputy governor subject to the approval of the State House of Assembly when the office becomes vacant.
The governor said his choice of Akpe was guided by continuity, competence, commitment, character and the fear of God. He expressed confidence that the new deputy governor would be a dependable partner in advancing the state’s development agenda and urged Bayelsans to support him.
Diri also commended the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for their swift confirmation of the nomination, noting that collaboration between the executive and legislature has been instrumental to his administration’s achievements.
Also sworn in, Madam Joanna Gigi replaces the late Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, who passed away on December 30, 2024.
Governor Diri charged the new commissioner and the 18 permanent secretaries to discharge their duties with integrity, transparency and professionalism, stressing that good governance translates directly into the prosperity of the state.
He described the civil service as the bedrock and engine room of effective governance, adding that the appointments were strictly based on merit following rigorous assessments.
The new permanent secretaries are Awana Raymond, Egbuson Amanda, Ogregade Ileimokumo, Josephine Ketebu-Thompson, Burutolu Samuel, Bamotei Zachaeus Anne, Dagogo Edmunson, Enuma Charles, Salbot Owil, Dr. Jones Stow, Pere Efeke, Doyowei Pulotua, Toloko Sylvester, Goodluck Ede-Alakere, Torutein Ovienadu, Ogbara Fanmene, Vincent Jonathan and Cole James.
The event signals a renewed push for administrative continuity and strengthened governance in Bayelsa State.
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