Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday, 28 February, 2026 welcomed the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peter Akpe, at his residence in Yenagoa,the state capital, reports thegazellenews.com.
The visit followed Akpe’s recent appointment and assumption of office, marking a significant moment for the state’s leadership transition, following the passing of the former Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday, 11 December, 2025.
Jonathan , who made this disclosure through a statement shared on his official X handle on Saturday, 28 February, 2026, said, “This morning, I had the pleasure of receiving the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Pastor Peter Akpe, PhD, at my residence in Yenagoa.”
The former President, who disclosed that Akpe had visited him to pay a courtesy call following his recent appointment and assumption of office, added, “I commend him for this thoughtful gesture and wish him every success as he serves the good people of Bayelsa State.”
Akpe, whose nomination was cleared by the State House of Assembly, was unveiled as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to complete the remaining two years of the present administration.
His swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, at the Bayelsa State Executive Council chamber in Yenagoa, alongside the inauguration of four commissioners and 14 permanent secretaries.
During the oath-taking, Governor Senator Douye Diri prayed for the repose of the late Deputy Governor and emphasised the solemn responsibilities of the office.
The Governor said, “After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr Peter Akpe as the Deputy Governor to the House of Assembly.
“If you look at our dressing today, it is divinely instructive. We never planned to wear a similar outfit today. After nominating him for this high assignment, the Assembly considered his nomination with the speed of light, and today we witness the swearing-in as required by the constitution of Nigeria as amended.”
