Philip Eke, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, has described his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, as the right choice for the position, saying his appointment had been justified by Akpe’s performance and acceptance by the people.
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Diri stated this on Sunday at a grand reception organised by the Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area to honour Akpe.
The governor said the large turnout at the event demonstrated the deputy governor’s popularity and acceptance among his people, describing the reception as a show of love, unity and solidarity.
Diri said he was convinced that he had made the right decision in selecting Akpe as his deputy, praising him for his humility, loyalty, competence and ability to identify with his roots.
“I believe I made no mistake that I zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event confirms my decision to appoint 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,” he said.
The governor also encouraged the Ebedebiri community to remain united and promote initiatives that would positively impact the lives of the people, while avoiding actions capable of creating division.
He said Akpe’s journey from a humble background to his present position demonstrated that there was hope for people regardless of their circumstances, adding that his choice of deputy was guided by God.
Responding, Akpe thanked Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve as deputy governor, saying his experience working with the governor had taught him valuable lessons in patience, accommodation and peaceful leadership.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who chaired the event, also commended Diri for choosing Akpe, describing the deputy governor as a competent politician with extensive experience in public service.
Lokpobiri noted that Akpe had served in several capacities, including as a councillor, administrator, Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chief of Staff to the Governor, before becoming deputy governor.
He said the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District were proud of Akpe’s performance and pledged continued support for the Diri administration.
Other speakers, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other political leaders, described Akpe as competent, principled, humble and open-minded, while commending Governor Diri for his choice of deputy.
