Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that he made no mistake in choosing Dr. Peter Akpe as his deputy, describing him as a “square peg in a square hole” whose humility, loyalty and capacity had justified his appointment.
Diri stated this on Sunday at a grand reception organised by the people of Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area in honour of the Deputy Governor.
The governor said the large turnout at the event demonstrated the acceptance and love Akpe enjoyed among his people.
Diri commended the Ebedebiri community for organising the reception and celebrating one of their own, describing the gathering as a show of unity, solidarity and support.
He said the acceptance of Akpe by his community had further confirmed his decision to appoint him as deputy governor.
“I believe I made no mistake that 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.”
The governor described Akpe as “the people’s deputy governor”, praising his humility, capacity and ability to identify with his roots.
He urged the people to promote initiatives that positively impact their communities and reject actions capable of creating division.
Diri also used Akpe’s life story to encourage members of the community not to lose hope, saying his rise from a humble background demonstrated that circumstances could change for the better.
“We all heard Akpe’s story from a very humble beginning. If God can turn things around for him and his family, there is still hope with your situation,” he said.
The governor added that his decision to appoint Akpe was guided by God, stressing that the Deputy Governor possessed not only capacity but also loyalty and humility.
In his speech, Akpe expressed appreciation to Governor Diri, his family and the people of Ebedebiri for their support and confidence in him.
“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,” he said.
Akpe said working with Diri had taught him valuable lessons in accommodating people, patience and maintaining a peaceful disposition towards others.
He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, who chaired the event, as well as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, legislators, traditional rulers, clergy and members of his community for their support and counsel.
Lokpobiri also commended Governor Diri for finding Akpe worthy of serving as his deputy.
The minister said the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District were proud of Akpe’s performance in office.
He noted that the Deputy Governor had acquired extensive experience in governance, having served as a councillor, administrator, Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff, Government House, and now Deputy Governor.
Lokpobiri praised the Ebedebiri community for honouring their son, describing Akpe as a public servant who had performed exceptionally well.
“On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy,” he said.
The guest of honour and Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, represented by Dr. Danjuma Omeje, expressed confidence in Akpe’s capacity and prayed for his success.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Senator Konbowei Benson, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi; APC State Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba; and Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey, representing Constituency 1 in Sagbama Local Government Area.
The speakers described Akpe as a man of principle, competent, unassuming and open-minded, while commending Governor Diri for his choice.
They also pledged their support for the Prosperity Government to achieve its mandate.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi; Hon. Mitema Obordor; Hon. Oforji Oboku; former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.); Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; APC Bayelsa East Senatorial candidate, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli; and APC Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency candidate, Dr. Jonathan Obuebite.
Also present were the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Seyifa Koroye, among other political, traditional and community leaders.
