Nigerian politicians have been cautioned against excessive ambition and desperation by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpe.
Akpe, in a statement on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, also warned politicians against unnecessary competition in their quest for political positions.
The deputy governor stated this as he marked his 55th birthday, warning that overambition could push individuals into actions that are contrary to God’s plan and will for them.
Akpe, who attributed his elevation to deputy governor to God’s mercy and grace, encouraged those in public service and church leadership to depend on God for direction and divine favour, which he revealed had played a significant role in his journey in public service.
According to the Bayelsa deputy governor, “I urge Bayelsans to hold on to God. I urge Nigerians of all walks of life, particularly the political class, not to be overambitious and unnecessarily competitive in their quest for leadership positions.
“Although having ambition is part of human life, an excess of it often drives people into actions that are contrary to God’s plans and purposes for them.
“I encourage those in public service and church leadership, as well as families, to hold on to God, for the Almighty Creator who sees and knows everything, to direct their path to greatness.”
Speaking on his birthday, Akpe said, “On behalf of my family, I want to appreciate everyone here for your prayers and for your counsel. I just got to know about this program today in the morning, that there is something like this.
“I don’t think that there will be a need again to call us together to thank God. I am not sure I will have more than this audience. So this is the thanksgiving for all he had done: for the elevation. God has worked with me in a way that is absolutely marvellous. This Thanksgiving is not an exception; this is our Thanksgiving.
“To all of us, I just want to encourage those in governance, the church leadership and families to hold on to God; He will direct your path. Let’s not be overambitious or engage in unnecessary competitiveness. If we live our lives that way, even if you get that thing, God may leave you alone to work it.”
In his exhortation entitled “The Weapon of Gratitude”, Pastor Emmanuel Okolo of the RCCG Youth Province 10, Port Harcourt, described gratitude as one of the greatest weapons at the disposal of the children of God.
Preaching from the Gospel of Luke Chapter 17, Verse 11 to 19, Pastor Okolo stressed that God always expects man to give Him thanks, adding that thanksgiving makes healing, deliverance and breakthroughs permanent for those who practice it.
News: CDC Chairmen Tasked to Promote Rivers Health Insurance Scheme
Special prayers were offered at the service for the Deputy Governor and his family by the Senior Pastor in charge of Region 27 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Simon Folasayo.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Dr Anthony Akpe, Pastor Leonard Ejiegbu, Professor ThankGod Apere, and Dr Jones Ebieri on behalf of the Akpe Family, the Church, the Ebedebiri Community and the Bayelsa State Government, respectively, at the service.
Earlier in the day, a novelty football match between the Comrades Family and the Disciples of Akpe was organised by friends of the Deputy Governor to mark his 55th Birthday at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Ovom, Yenagoa.
The separate events were attended by several top government functionaries, including the Speaker, Chief Abraham Ingobere and members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi, commissioners, the clergy and parents of the deputy governor, His Royal Highness, Chief Agadabiri Akpe, the Amananaowei of Ebedebiri, and his wife, Mrs. Esther Akpe.
