Diri Reveals Challenges Of Choosing New Deputy, Says Divine Guidance Led To Akpe’s Appointment

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has disclosed that he faced intense pressure while selecting a new deputy governor following the death of his former deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11, 2025.

The governor said his eventual choice of Dr. Peter Akpe, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was guided by divine direction and sustained prayers from men of God.

Diri made the revelation on Sunday during a special thanksgiving service held in honour of the deputy governor at the RCCG Regional Headquarters along the Sani Abacha Expressway in Yenagoa.

Speaking at the event, the governor explained that after working closely with the late Ewhrudjakpo for nearly six years, it was important to find a successor who possessed the competence, dedication, and capacity required for the office.

According to him, the process of selecting a replacement was not easy, but divine guidance ultimately led him to Akpe.

“I faced spiritual pressure in choosing a new deputy governor after the passing of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Amid the pressure, I sought God's direction through the prayers of men of God, and in the end, God made Pastor Akpe available through divine direction,” Diri said.

The governor dismissed speculations that Akpe’s appointment was influenced by family ties, stressing that competence and ability to deliver were the primary considerations.

“I did not pay attention to rumours and speculation because Dr. Akpe has the competence to perform effectively in the role. In fact, I only recently discovered that he hails from my maternal home,” he stated.

Diri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to development, noting that the primary responsibility of government is to improve the lives of the people through meaningful projects and policies.

He described the prevailing peace and security in Bayelsa State as invaluable and called on citizens and the church to continue offering prayers for leaders at all levels.

“No matter how bad a government may be, people should never fail to pray for their leaders,” he added.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe shared an emotional account of his journey from a humble background to public office, describing his life as a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Jacob in Genesis 32, Akpe recounted the severe financial challenges his family faced while he was growing up.

He recalled how his father struggled to raise his school fees, often borrowing money and seeking assistance from relatives to ensure he remained in school.

“There were times when my father spent hours seeking support from relatives to pay my school fees. At one point, he was publicly humiliated over unpaid debts before help came,” Akpe said.

The deputy governor revealed that his family lived in a modest zinc house at the waterfront and that some of his siblings sacrificed their education for a year to support the family’s survival.

According to him, their fortunes began to change after they embraced Christianity, leading to gradual progress and transformation.

Akpe said his elevation to the office of deputy governor serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and faithfulness throughout his life’s journey.

He expressed gratitude to the church for organising the thanksgiving service and appreciated members for their prayers, support, and sacrifices.

Among dignitaries present at the event were the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri; Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; members of the House of Representatives, including Dr. Fred Agbedi, Dr. Mitema Obordor, and Marie Ebikake; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou; members of the State Executive Council; the Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema; traditional rulers; and other Christian leaders.

The thanksgiving service attracted a large gathering of worshippers, government officials, political stakeholders, and well-wishers who joined the deputy governor in celebrating his remarkable journey and appointment to public office.