Niger Delta
New Bayelsa Dep Gov Promises ‘People-First’ Leadership … Hails Diri On Appointment
Newly sworn-in Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Pastor Peter Akpe, has pledged a tenure anchored on humility, service and collective responsibility, saying his new office is a call to serve the people rather than a platform for personal glory.
He made the commitment during a reception ceremony held at the D. S. P Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall shortly after his swearing-in at the Government House, Yenagoa, the State capital.
Addressing a large gathering of political leaders, church representatives, family members and well wishers from across the country, the Deputy Governor emphasized that leadership must be guided by faith, accountability and genuine concern for the people’s welfare.
According to him, public office should not be seen as a reward, but as a burden of trust that demands sacrifice, discipline and openness to counsel.
Akpe urged the Christian community and citizens at large to remain steadfast in prayer and constructive engagement, noting that governance thrives when leaders and followers work in unity.
He said: “This responsibility did not come by my own making. It is a privilege to serve Bayelsa, and I will do so with the fear of God, respect for the people and commitment to what is right.”
Pastor Akype hails from Ebedebiri Community in the Sagbama Local Government Area of the State.
“I didn’t lobby for this. position. My appointment is purely an act of God”, he said.
He expressed gratitude to the State Governor, the House of Assembly, and other stakeholders for their confidence in him, and promised to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s vision for development.
He also assured Bayelsans that his focus would be on supporting policies that improve livelihoods and strengthen institutions, noting that the overwhelming support he has received from Bayelsans since his appointment is a reminder of the expectations placed on him.
“I owe this state more commitment, more listening and more service, This office is not mine alone; it belongs to the people who believe in a better Bayelsa.
“But let me make it clear that I have not gone to lobby for any position, including this one. Most of the influential Bayelsa (big) men are here. If I had ever told you to lobby for me, please say it here. In my life, it has always been God touching people to do things for me. So I’ve always said Lord, just do your own.
“Yes, some people came to me saying, what are you doing about this? and I said let the will of God be done. You don’t go into something God has not allowed or prepared you for.
“So, I want to give the Almighty God the glory. I also want to thank His Excellency, the Governor for this massive privilege. It is a privilege for the Governor to allow you work with him and also see you good enough for higher responsibility. I also sincerely thank the House of Assembly, my constituency”, he stated.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), thanked the State Governor, Douye Diri, for appointing Akpe as Deputy Governor, describing the decision as a wise and timely choice.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Akpe and urged Bayelsans to support the new Deputy Governor and the state government to achieve sustainable and measurable development.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, and the Member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mitema Obordor, congratulated Dr. Akpe on behalf of the people of Bayelsa Central and East Senatorial Districts.
They described him as a man of high competence and impeccable character with deep knowledge of governance, praying God to grant him wisdom and strength in the discharge of his duties and pledging their support for his success.
Also speaking, former Deputy Governor, Chief Peremoboere Ebebi, who represented Bayelsa West Senatorial District, said he was not surprised by Dr. Akpe’s steady rise in public service, noting that his capacity and competence distinguished him.
He recalled Akpe’s successful tenure as Head of Administration under his leadership and expressed confidence that Governor Diri’s choice would foster a productive partnership in steering the affairs of the state.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Amanyanabo of Koniju town, in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Winston Odiye Alamina Oputibeya XII, has expressed satisfaction over the activities of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community.
He further said that bringing Arsenal fans together for a common purpose, which is love, unity, and peace, is commendable and pledges to support the community in his own little way.
HRM Oputibeya said this when some members of the community, led by Ugochukwu Oputa, paid him a courtesy visit in his house in Port Harcourt yesterday.
According to him, he started supporting and following Arsenal Football Club some decades back, saying that anybody who loves good football must love Arsenal because players in Arsenal play good football.
“I was longing to meet leaders of the community to also be part of it because I like their organizational structure and I love Arsenal.
“The activities of the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community for me are satisfactory; that is why I am associating with it.
“I would like members to conduct themselves in a civil manner because football fans all over are the progress of their club and love,” he said.
Earlier, the coordinator of the Port Harcourt community, Ugochukwu Oputa, thanked the royal father for accepting the community, assuring that the group will do her best to get recognition and connection with Arsenal FC in London.
Oputa narrated the activities lined up by the community on Saturday, saying that everything had been put in place for the street procession.
In his vote of thanks, a member of the Arsenal Community, Com. Tonye Orabere also thanked the Amanyanbo for his magnanimity and pledged to assist the community. He prays God to continue to bless him.
Tonye Orabere
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating reforms aimed at digitising its procurement processes to enhance transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at the NDDC Procurement Policy Reform and Digitisation Stakeholders’ Sensitisation and Training Summit in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of the BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, described the initiative as a significant step towards modernising public sector operations.
Adedokun said the transition to paperless governance had become imperative as government institutions seek to reduce delays, eliminate waste and improve service delivery.
According to him, public procurement remains central to the execution of government policies and must embrace modern technology to boost productivity and strengthen public confidence.
“Procurement lies at the heart of public service delivery. It determines how resources are allocated, how projects are executed, and ultimately, how development reaches our people”, he said.
The BPP boss stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring a seamless transition to digital operations, noting that the reforms align with the broader agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a more responsive and citizen-focused public sector.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the sensitisation workshop formed part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and adopt innovative solutions in line with global best practices in governance and service delivery.
He stated that the Commission was implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in the Niger Delta region, while commending the BPP for supporting the Commission and facilitating the speedy completion of projects.
Ogbuku noted that the workshop came at a critical period when public institutions across the country were embracing reforms aimed at improving governance systems, eliminating inefficiencies and rebuilding public trust.
He said empowering stakeholders, contractors and service providers with the required knowledge would accelerate development and create sustainable value across the Niger Delta.
“We are not only reforming, but we are also transforming the Niger Delta region”, he stated.
Ogbuku explained that the Commission’s reforms would move procurement processes from manual, paper-based operations to a fully digital platform designed to improve accessibility, reduce delays and minimise opportunities for corruption.
According to him, digitisation of procurement processes goes beyond technological advancement and represents a critical governance reform aimed at promoting transparency, improving service delivery and ensuring responsible management of public resources.
Earlier, the NDDC Director of Procurement, Chuks Osuji, said the policy reform and digitisation initiative would improve workflow, eliminate inefficiencies and strengthen accountability in the Commission’s procurement system.
He added that all contractors engaging with the Commission would henceforth operate through the online procurement platform, which would also provide an effective feedback mechanism for stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of contractors and consultants, Maraizu Uche lauded the initiative and pledged their cooperation towards ensuring a seamless transition to the digital platform.
He, however, appealed to the Commission to review its payment system to address delays in settling executed contracts.
The workshop, themed “Promoting Best Procurement Practices and Digital System for the NDDC”, was held across the nine states of the Niger Delta region.
The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated eight units of two-bedroom flats at the Ikot Ansa Senior Staff Quarters as part of efforts to boost personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event in Calabar on Monday, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said similar housing projects would be inaugurated in Port Harcourt and Uyo.
Represented by Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Abbas said the navy would always give priority attention to personnel welfare.
He stated that the housing units would not only translate to decent homes for officers, but boost their morale for greater efficiency.
“I have repeatedly tied welfare projects to better operational readiness against maritime crimes.
“We are very deliberate about closing the accommodation gaps for officers and ratings”, he said.
The CNS charged recipients of the housing units to ensure good maintenance culture while in occupation.
Abbass reiterated the commitment of the navy to initiate new housing projects while taking steps to complete all pending ones.
“The newly inaugurated units of flats are part of the projects that we inherited from our predecessors”, he said.
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