Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed satisfaction with his decision to appoint Dr Peter Akpe as his deputy, describing the choice as divinely guided.

Diri said Akpe had proved to be “a round peg in a round hole,” adding that his widespread acceptance by the people had validated the decision to appoint him.

The governor spoke at a grand reception organised in honour of Akpe by his Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

Diri said the large turnout at the event demonstrated Akpe’s popularity and acceptance within Ebedebiri and the wider Tarakiri Kingdom.

“I believe I made no mistake when I zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event is a confirmation of my decision to appoint him as my deputy.

“It is one thing to announce the appointment of a person and another thing for that person to be accepted and celebrated,” the governor said.

He commended Akpe for maintaining strong ties with his roots despite his position in government, describing him as humble, loyal and capable.

“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,” Diri said.

The governor also recounted Akpe’s humble beginnings, saying his emergence as deputy governor demonstrated that people should remain hopeful regardless of their circumstances.

“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,” Diri added.

In his response, Akpe thanked Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve as his deputy.

“From the depth of my heart, my family and Ebedebiri community, I thank God and the governor for choosing me as his deputy. May God continue to uphold and strengthen you,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience working with Diri, Akpe said he had learnt valuable lessons in leadership, particularly the importance of patience, accommodation and peaceful coexistence.

“Working with you, I have learned the lessons of accommodating people, patience, and peaceful disposition towards all,” he said.

The event, chaired by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr Heineken Lokpobiri, attracted prominent political figures, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Bayelsa State.

Those present included Senator Konbowei Benson; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi.

Lokpobiri said the people of Bayelsa West Senatorial District were proud of Akpe’s performance in government, highlighting his experience in various capacities, including councillor, administrator, Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Chief of Staff and deputy governor.

He commended the Ebedebiri community for organising the reception and described Akpe as a politician who had performed exceptionally in the service of the state.

The state APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, and other speakers also described Akpe as principled, competent, unassuming and open-minded.

They said his rise from humble beginnings to the second-highest political office in the state was an inspiration to the younger generation, while expressing confidence in the ability of the Prosperity Administration to deliver on its mandate.

The event also attracted former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd.); Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; APC Bayelsa East senatorial candidate, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli; and traditional rulers, including King Bubaraye Dakolo, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as King Seyifa Koroye, Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom.

The guest of honour and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, who was represented by Dr Danjuma Omeje, expressed confidence in Akpe’s capacity and prayed for his continued success in office.