The Bayelsa state House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor of the state following his nomination by Governor Douye Diri.
The confirmation was granted during plenary on Tuesday, bringing an end to weeks of consultations after the vacancy created by the death of the former deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly slumped and died in December 2025.
Ewhrudjakpo was laid to rest on January 30, 2026, in his hometown of Ofoni, located in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state, following a funeral attended by political leaders and community members.
Akpe, a pastor, previously served as Chief of Staff to Governor Diri before his nomination for the deputy governorship position.
Lawmakers said the approval followed due legislative consideration, expressing confidence that the new deputy governor would support ongoing governance and development efforts in Bayelsa State.
The appointment of a new deputy governor followed the demise of the former deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed on December 11, 2025 after collapsing at the Government House in Yenagoa.
He was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
