Continuity in Bayelsa Gov.Diri Swears in New Deputy Governor, Commissioner and 18 Permanent Secretaries.
A new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, was on Tuesday sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, alongside a Commissioner and 18 Permanent Secretaries.
Dr. Akpe, who previously served as Chief of Staff at Government House, was nominated by Governor Douye Diri and subsequently confirmed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. He succeeded the late Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025. With his inauguration, Dr. Akpe becomes Bayelsa State’s sixth Deputy Governor under the current democratic dispensation.
Administering the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance, The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, urged the new Deputy Governor to uphold the confidence proposed to him by the Governor and the people of the state.
She expressed confidence in his capacity to discharge the responsibilities of the office and encouraged him to remain committed to the Constitution and the service of Bayelsans.
In his remarks, Governor Diri stated that the appointment of Dr. Akpe was informed by the need for continuity, competence, commitment, character and faith in God. He noted that the swearing-in was conducted in accordance with Section 191(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers a governor to nominate a new deputy governor subject to legislative approval when a vacancy occurs. He also referenced Section 193(1), which authorises the Governor to assign responsibilities to the Deputy Governor.
The Governor described Dr. Akpe was a dependable partner in the administration’s development agenda and called on residents to support him in the discharge of his duties. He commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their prompt confirmation of the nomination, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Also sworn in was Madam Joanna Gigi as Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development. She fills the vacancy created by the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei on December 30, 2024.
Governor Diri charged the newly appointed Commissioner and the 18 Permanent Secretaries to serve with integrity and transparency, describing the civil service as the engine room of governance and sustainable development.
He reiterated his administration’s confidence in the state civil service, noting that commissioners act as representatives of the Governor at the ministerial level and must operate within their legal mandates.
The Governor further stated that the appointments were merit-based and followed rigorous assessments, urging the appointees to justify the confidence placed in them through dedicated service.
The Permanent Secretaries sworn in 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. Permanent Secretaries.
