Douye Diri, the Bayelsa State Governor, has revealed that picking a new deputy governor after the demise of his previous deputy governor was one of the hardest decisions to make during his time as a governor.
Speaking during the thanksgiving event held to honour Deputy Governor Peter Akpe at the regional headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Yenagoa, Governor Diri mentioned that he prayed to God before the appointment.
Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, who is an ordained minister in the RCCG church, assumed office on February 25, 2026, after the demise of the former Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in December 2025.
Diri stated that the process of replacing the deputy governor whom he had served closely for six years was a difficult thing to do.
Diri added that the pressure involved in the process led him to pray and get spiritual directions from other clergymen.
According to the governor, after praying and consulting with other clerics, he was sure that Akpe was the right man for the job.
He said that competence and ability were the only issues taken into consideration, and that he just learned about the connection of Akpe to his mother’s family.
He added that his administration is determined to work hard for the development of Bayelsa State and applauded the citizens for maintaining peace in the state.
Moreover, Diri urged citizens and religious organisations to keep praying for their political leaders.
During his address, Akpe looked back on the tough situation that he went through during his young age, referring to his journey to public office as proof of his faith and determination.
Akpe remembered how he grew up in extreme poverty, where his late father had gone to great lengths to provide him with an education.
According to him, money for his schooling used to take him far distances to ask for help from his relatives, who would only give him small amounts of money.
The former deputy governor recalled one emotional episode where his dad had been embarrassed because of debts which were related to his education. However, despite the difficulties, his family decided not to deprive him of education.
According to Akpe, he was born and brought up in a small zinc-roofed house at the waterfront area. It is noteworthy to mention that some of his brothers gave up on their own education in order to allow him to continue it.
His faith in God helped him become the deputy governor. He noted that his family got out of poverty because of the strong Christian faith.
According to him, his rise to the deputy governorship position proved that persistence, faith and divine favour can turn even the most difficult situations into good ones.
Some important people from politics, justice and religion came to the Thanksgiving event.
Among the guests were the wife of the governor, Gloria Diri; Konbowei Benson and his wife; members of the House of Representatives like Fred Agbedi, Mitema Obordor, and Marie Ebikake.
Also present on the occasion were the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, representatives of the State House of Assembly, including the Majority Leader, Monday Bubou, members of the State Executive Council, traditional chiefs, and church leaders.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was represented at the function by the State chairman, Joseph Opelema, among others.
This is an entirely rewritten version that retains all the details of the original text.
