Chief Judge Administers Oath to Deputy Governor, Commissioner, 18 Perm Secs

The Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, has sworn in a new Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Akpe, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Yenagoa.

Dr. Akpe, who served as Chief of Staff at the Government House before his nomination by Governor Douye Diri and subsequent confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, becomes the state’s sixth deputy governor in the current democratic dispensation that began in 1999. He succeeds Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died suddenly on December 11, 2025.

Administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance, Justice Ayemieye urged the new deputy governor to ensure that his words and actions reflect the trust and confidence reposed in him by the governor and the people of the state.

“I am convinced that the new deputy governor has all it takes to shoulder the responsibilities of this exalted office. I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to the Constitution of our great nation and to the people of Bayelsa,” she said.

In his remarks, Governor Diri stated that his choice of Akpe was guided by continuity, competence, commitment, character, and the fear of God. He noted that the swearing-in was in line with Section 191(3)(c) of the Constitution, which empowers a governor to nominate, subject to House of Assembly approval, a new deputy governor when the office becomes vacant. He also referenced Section 193(1), which allows the governor to assign responsibilities to the deputy governor, including oversight of government departments.

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The governor expressed confidence that Akpe would be a dependable partner in the Bayelsa project and urged residents to support him in his new role. He commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nomination, describing legislative support as vital to his administration’s success.

Also sworn in was a new Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, Madam Joanna Gigi, who replaces the late Mrs. Elizabeth Bidei, who passed away on December 30, 2024. Eighteen permanent secretaries were equally inaugurated.

Governor Diri charged the new appointees to discharge their duties with integrity and transparency, noting that good governance directly translates to the prosperity of the state. He described the civil service as the bedrock and engine room of effective governance and progress worldwide.

“I am pleased to affirm our confidence in the Bayelsa State Civil Service. Commissioners serve as my representatives at the ministry level, and their leadership should be respected as long as they operate within the bounds of the law,” he said.

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The governor emphasized that the appointments were merit-based and free from political interference, adding that the rigorous assessment process reflected the competence and professionalism of the appointees.

“With this achievement comes profound responsibility. I charge you to serve with utmost integrity and transparency, mindful that good governance at this level directly impacts the prosperity of our dear state,” he added.

The newly sworn-in permanent secretaries are Awana Raymond, Egbuson Amanda, Ogregade Ileimokumo, Josephine Ketebu-Thompson, Burutolu Samuel, Bamotei Zachaeus Anne, Dagogo Edmunson, Enuma Charles, Salbot Owil, Cole James, Pere Efeke, Doyowei Pulotua, Toloko Sylvester, Goodluck Ede-Alakere, Torutein Ovienadu, Ogbara Fanmene, Vincent Jonathan, Dr. Jones Stow, and Pere Efeke.

By Owunna Goodness