Nigerian Governor Douye Diri appointed Dr. Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor of Bayelsa State, citing factors such as continuity, competence, character, commitment, and spirituality in his choice. The governor made this announcement during Akpe's swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers in Yenagoa. His decision was also influenced by extensive consultations and a commitment to constitutional provisions governing such appointments.

The appointment comes in the wake of the death of the former deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, which left the position vacant. Akpe's prior role as Chief of Staff to Diri positioned him as a familiar and capable candidate. Despite some criticisms regarding nepotism, with allegations suggesting he is the governor's maternal cousin, Diri reaffirmed that his selection was based on a careful evaluation of the skills and attributes required for the deputy governor role.

Dr. Peter Akpe now becomes the sixth deputy governor of Bayelsa State since the return to democratic governance in 1999, marking another significant change in the state's political landscape. The succession of leadership roles following the recent death of Ewhrudjakpo highlights the fluid nature of political appointments in Nigeria, as they often depend on the incumbent's discretion and public response to such decisions.