Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has praised his deputy, Peter Akpe, for his leadership qualities and competence, saying he remains confident in the decision to appoint him.
The governor spoke during a reception organised by the Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area to celebrate Akpe.
Diri said the impressive turnout at the event showed that the deputy governor enjoys strong support from his community. He also applauded Akpe for staying humble and maintaining a close relationship with his roots.
His words: “I believe l made no mistake that l zeroed in on Akpe. Today’s event confirms my decision to appoint him as my deputy. It is one thing to announce the appointment of a person, and it is another for that person to be accepted and celebrated.
“Today, I join my deputy in expressing gratitude to the Ebedebiri community for putting together this well-organised reception. We came to celebrate with your son. We are happy with the large turnout. Akpe is a square peg in a square hole.
“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.
“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 for your situation. My choice of him was guided by God. He not only has capacity, but he is also loyal and humble.”
Akpe, in his response, expressed gratitude to the governor and his community for their support and for the opportunity to serve as deputy governor.
“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.
“Working with you, I have learnt the lessons of accommodating people, patience, and a peaceful disposition towards all,” Akpe said.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, also praised Diri for selecting Akpe, noting that the deputy governor had gained broad experience through his years in public service.
Lokpobiri said Akpe’s performance had made him a source of pride to people in Bayelsa West and pledged continued support for the Diri-led administration.
Several other dignitaries at the event described Akpe as a competent and humble public servant and commended the governor for his choice of deputy.
