The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, joined other leaders in Bayelsa State, to commend the governor, Senator Douye Diri, for choosing Dr. Peter Akpe to be his deputy.
Speaking on Sunday, at a reception organised in honour of Akpe by his Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, Lokpobiri thanked the governor for finding Akpe worthy to work with him.
The minister noted that the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district were proud of the deputy governor over what he described as his sterling performance in office.
According to the minister, Akpe had maximum exposure in the art of governance having served the state in various capacities from being a councillor, an administrator, majority leader in the house of assembly, chief of staff, government house and now deputy governor.
Lokpobiri said he was impressed with the community for organising the reception in honour of their son that has performed exceptionally well in the service of the state.
His words: “On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy.”
Addressing the people during the event, Diri said he made no mistake picking Akpe as his deputy, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.
According to the governor, the well-organised event was a testament that Akpe was loved and accepted by members of his community.
Diri commended the Ebedebiri people for turning out en masse to honour and celebrate their son, noting that it was a show of love and solidarity.
The state’s helmsman, who described Akpe as the people’s deputy governor, praised him for exhibiting humility and capacity as well as identifying with his roots.
His words: “I believe l made no mistake that l zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event is a confirmation of my decision in appointing him as my deputy. lt is one thing to announce the appointment of a person and it is another for that person to be accepted and celebrated.
“Today, l join my deputy in expressing gratitude to Ebedebiri community for putting together this well-organised reception. We came to celebrate with your son. We are happy with the large turn out. Akpe is a square peg in a square hole.
“I thank the people of this community and the Tarakiri kingdom for this reception. We also appreciate your big show of love, unity and strength. We must promote things that impact positively on our people and shun things that create division.
“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. My choice of him was guided by God. He does not only have capacity, he is also loyal and humble.”
In a vote of thanks, the deputy governor, appreciated the governor, on behalf of his family and community, for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve.
“From the depth of my heart, my family and Ebedebiri community, l thank God and the governor for choosing me as his deputy. May God continue to uphold and strengthen you.
“Working with you, l have learnt the lessons of accommodating people, patience, and peaceful disposition towards all,” Akpe said.
He also thanked Lokpobiri, for chairing the event as well as the speaker of the house assembly and other legislators, his community, traditional rulers and the clergy for their support and wise counsel.
The guest of honour and Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, who was represented by Dr. Danjuma Omeje, said he was confident of Akpe’s capacity and prayed God to grant him success.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere,
former deputy governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi, state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, and a representative of Constituency 1 in Sagbama Local Government Area, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey.
They described Akpe as a man of principle, competent, unassuming and open-minded.
They also commended the governor for choosing him and assured of their support for the Prosperity Government to achieve its mandate.
Other guests at the event included the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, his colleagues, Hon. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency), and Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency), as well as a former Bayelsa deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).
Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, APC Bayelsa East senatorial candidate, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, his Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency counterpart, Dr. Jonathan Obuebite, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Seyifa Koroye, among others.
