RCCG pastor Peter Akpe emerges Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has appointed Pastor (Hon.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of the state, following the death of former Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025, after reportedly collapsing in his office. He was later laid to rest on January 30, 2026.

Akpe, who served as Chief of Staff to Governor Diri before his nomination, is also a provincial pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and currently oversees Province 1 in Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved his appointment after Governor Diri formally transmitted his nomination to the lawmakers. Akpe was presented during plenary on Tuesday, when the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, read the governor’s letter announcing the nomination.

Upon his appearance before the Assembly, Akpe was asked to take a bow and leave — a privilege traditionally accorded to former legislators — in recognition of his previous service in the House.

Akpe is a former Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and has held several strategic positions in both the legislative and executive arms of government, including Deputy Chief of Staff.

A seasoned administrator and educator, he previously served as Head of Administration in the Office of the Deputy Governor between 2006 and 2007 and was also a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Service Commission.

He hails from Ebedebiri in Sagbama Local Government Area and has spent several years in the state civil service and political leadership.

Both Governor Diri and the new deputy governor share maternal roots in Ayamasa community in Ekeremor Local Government Area.

Akpe’s appointment fills the vacancy created by Ewhrudjakpo’s death and is expected to strengthen the state’s executive council as the administration continues its programmes.