- Diri said he faced spiritual pressure before choosing Peter Akpe as deputy governor
- He said prayers and competence guided his decision after Ewhrudjakpo’s death
- Akpe linked his rise to hardship and divine grace
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has revealed that he encountered what he described as spiritual pressure before choosing Peter Akpe as his new deputy governor following the death of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Akpe was sworn in on February 25, about two months after Ewhrudjakpo’s passing, during a special thanksgiving service held at the RCCG regional headquarters in Yenagoa.
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Diri said his decision was guided by prayers and what he believed to be divine direction, adding that he focused on competence rather than rumours or personal ties when making the appointment.
According to him, he only later discovered that Akpe had links to his maternal hometown, stressing that this did not influence the selection process.
The governor also praised the relative peace in Bayelsa and urged citizens to continue praying for leaders, noting that governance requires spiritual support.
In his response, Akpe reflected on his difficult upbringing, recalling financial struggles, including inability to pay school fees and living in a waterfront zinc house.
He said his life changed after a spiritual encounter, describing his current position as a product of perseverance and what he believes is divine favour.
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