By Victor Okoye
Dame Julie Okah-Donli, former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has congratulated Pastor Peter Akpe on his confirmation as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpe was confirmed on Feb. 24 following his nomination by Gov. Douye Diri.
His confirmation followed the death of the former Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Dec. 11, 2025.
Akpe, an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, previously served as Chief of Staff to the governor before his elevation.
In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Okah-Donli described his emergence as timely and divinely ordained, urging him to approach the office with humility, dedication and a strong sense of service.
“On behalf of the Okah-Donli family, I extend my congratulations to you on your well-deserved confirmation as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State,” she said.
“Your emergence at this critical moment is not by chance. It is a call to higher service and greater responsibility.”
She prayed that God would grant him wisdom, strength and discernment to effectively support the governor in delivering good governance.
Okah-Donli stressed that leadership demanded accountability and selfless service, noting that public office was not about personal ambition but service to humanity.
She urged the deputy governor to promote unity across political and ethnic divides, saying Bayelsa needed healing, stability and continuity.
“You must strengthen harmony and deepen public confidence in government,” she added.
Okah-Donli expressed confidence that Akpe’s experience in the civil service, legislature and pastoral ministry had prepared him for the assignment, advising him to remain people-oriented and transparent.
“Listen to the people, prioritise their welfare and let transparency define your tenure,” she said.
She described the appointment as a signal of continuity and administrative stability, expressing optimism that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.
“May your tenure bring progress, prosperity and pride to the people of Bayelsa,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
