Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said he made no mistake in picking Dr Peter Akpe as his deputy, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

Senator Diri stated this on Sunday at a grand reception organised in honour of Dr Akpe by his Ebedebiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

He said the well-organised event showed that Akpe was loved and accepted by members of his community.

The governor commended the Ebedebiri people for turning out en masse to honour and celebrate their son, noting that it was a show of love and solidarity.

The state’s helmsman, who described Akpe as the people’s deputy governor, praised him for his humility and capacity, as well as for identifying 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.”

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, expressed appreciation to Governor Diri, on behalf of his family and community, for the confidence reposed in him and for the opportunity to serve.

“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.

He also thanked the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr Heineken Lokpobiri, for chairing the event as well as the Speaker of the House Assembly and other legislators, his community, traditional rulers and the clergy for their support and wise counsel.

Heineken Lokpobiri, in his remarks, also appreciated the governor for finding Akpe worthy to work with him.

Lokpobiri said the people of Bayelsa West senatorial district were proud of the deputy governor’s sterling performance in office.

According to the minister, Akpe had maximum exposure in the art of governance, having served the state in various capacities, from being a councillor, an administrator, Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Chief of Staff, Government House and now deputy governor.

He also said he was impressed with the community for organising the reception in honour of their son, who has performed exceptionally well in the service of the state.

“On behalf of the people of Bayelsa West, we express our commitment to continue to support Governor Diri and his deputy.”

The guest of honour and Managing Director/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, represented by Dr Danjuma Omeje, said he was confident in Akpe’s capacity and prayed God to grant him success.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa Central; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere,

former deputy governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi, state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, and a representative of Constituency 1 in Sagbama Local Government Area, Dr Ayakeme Whiskey.

They described Akpe as a man of principle, competent, unassuming and open-minded.

They also commended the governor for choosing him and assured the Prosperity Government of their support in achieving its mandate.

Other guests at the event included the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Fred Agbedi, his colleagues, Hon. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia Federal Constituency), and Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency), as well as a former Bayelsa deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).