By OFONIME UMANAH
His name rings a bell, for good reasons, everywhere in Bayelsa State. Apart from being a provincial pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Yenagoa, Dr Peter Pereotubo Akpe, is an educationist, administrator and political strategist.
When the immediate past deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewrujadkpo died some months ago, one of the names that was dropped as a possible replacement was Akpe’s. Those who thought of him may have seen him as the only person close enough to the governor, Senator Douye Diri, that can be trusted.
Which was one of Diri’s major concern when Ewrudjakpo died. At every fora, Diri would lament over the loss of a deputy governor that he would feel very free to hand over the state to, if he had the need to travel. And in truth, the former deputy governor was always there for him and the state.
But those who did not prefer Akpe as Ewrudjakpo’s successor did so because of the perception that Akpe and Diri were related. Wrongly so.
While Akpe hails from Ebedebiri in Sagbama Local Government, Diri comes from Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma. However, while Akpe’s mother is from Ayamasa in the Ekeremor Local Government, Diri’s mother is also from the same Ayamasa. But that it where it ends. TNN has found out that the duo are not related by blood, neither are they closely related maternally as has been insinuated by the public.
But Diri seems to believe in the strength and character of Akpe and has therefore chosen him as a worthy deputy governor. Diri has worked with Akpe for many years. And, Akpe has also served the state in various capacities for years.
Before he was appointed deputy chief of staff and later as chief of staff by Diri, Akpe was once a member of the state house of assembly and emerged majority leader. He was also a lecturer with the Niger Delta University as well as a legislative aide and political adviser in previous governments. He is known to be very intelligent, politically savvy and phenomenally humble. He holds a PhD in educational management and will be bringing deep experience in public administration, political coordination and education reform to his new role in the state’s executive council.
Those who know him closely told TNN on Tuesday that the man who will be expected to simply take a bow on the floor of the state house of assembly as he appears there on Tuesday, in line with legislative practices, is not just a pastor, but a practicing Christian in words and deeds.
Here comes the new deputy governor of Bayelsa State. His name has already been sent to the state house of assembly for confirmation by the governor. Now, the suspense and speculations have ended.
