Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, talked on Sunday about how he chose Peter Akpe as his new deputy after Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025.
Diri mentioned that he felt strong "spiritual pressure" before deciding on Akpe, a pastor in The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Akpe was sworn in on February 25. The governor said divine guidance and prayers from men of God were very important.
The governor spoke during a special thanksgiving service for his deputy, Akpe, at the RCCG regional headquarters on Sani Abacha Expressway in Yenagoa. Diri explained that God led him to Akpe. He said after working closely with the late Ewhrudjakpo for nearly six years, finding a suitable replacement was crucial.
"I faced spiritual pressure picking a new deputy governor after the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo," he told the gathering. "While the pressure was on me, I looked out for God’s direction amid the prayers of men of God. In the end, God made Pastor Akpe available through divine direction. After working with a hardworking deputy who passed away, his replacement had to be a perfect match for the former," he said.
Diri explained that his choice was based on Akpe’s skills and abilities, not on any family ties. "I did not pay attention to the rumours and speculation because Dr. Akpe has the competence to deliver on the job. I never knew he was my relative until recently when I found out he came from my maternal home," he said.
He stressed that his administration focuses on development, saying the government's job is to bring progress to the people. Diri described the peace and security in Bayelsa as "priceless" and urged citizens and the church to keep praying for their leaders.
"No matter how bad a government may be, people should never fail to pray for their leaders," he added.
In his speech, Akpe shared his personal story of rising from poverty to public office. He said his life reflects Jacob’s journey at the Jordan River in Genesis 32. The deputy governor talked about his early struggles, mentioning how his father wanted him to go to school despite their tough situation.
"I know some of you have heard my story a little bit. The pressure was so much, but my dad was determined to send me to school. It took over five hours to go and beg relatives for school fees of ₦110 naira years ago. Sometimes they would support you with maybe ₦20 or ₦30.
"My dad had to borrow before he paid my school fees. There was a time they brought him to the centre of the community to tie him over unpaid debts until there was intervention," he said.
Akpe shared that his family lived at the waterfront in a zinc house. He added that some of his siblings skipped school for a year for his sake, and meeting the Lord changed their lives.
"When we met the Lord some years ago, God started helping us. It was not so smooth as you see it now," he said.
The deputy governor said his current role shows God’s faithfulness and reminds him of how far God has brought him. He thanked the church for honoring him with the event, which he never expected, and recognized their efforts in making the occasion a success.
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