The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed Peter Akpe as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, formally filling the vacancy left by the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Akpe’s confirmation was announced on Tuesday after his nomination by Governor Douye Diri. The position became vacant following Ewhrudjakpo’s sudden death in December 2025.
Before his elevation, Akpe served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa. A seasoned administrator and politician, he is a former two-term member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and rose through the civil service to the rank of Director.
He also held key positions at Government House, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff.
Ewhrudjakpo’s death had drawn widespread condolences across the state. The government described the development as one received with “deep regret and profound shock.”
In a statement, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, recounted the circumstances surrounding the deputy governor’s passing.
“The Deputy Governor was active and carrying out official duties earlier in the day. He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead,” the statement read.
In response, Governor Diri declared three days of mourning in the state, directing that flags be flown at half-mast. He described the incident as “a great loss to the Government and people of Bayelsa State and the nation,” and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
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