“Stop Killing Yourselves Over Power!” – Bayelsa Deputy Governor Peter Akpe Blasts Desperate Politicians at 55
By Passman Akpos
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peter Akpe, has cautioned Nigerians—particularly members of the political class—against excessive ambition and unhealthy competition in the pursuit of leadership positions.
Akpe gave the advice on Tuesday during a special birthday thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Province 1 headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Higher Ground Parish, in Yenagoa, as he marked his 55th birthday.
The deputy governor, who attended the service alongside his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, and other family members, noted that while ambition is a natural part of human life, excessive desire for power often pushes individuals into actions that contradict God’s plans and purposes.
According to him, his emergence as the number two citizen of Bayelsa State was not a result of personal struggle alone but the manifestation of divine mercy and grace.
“To all of us, I just want to encourage those in governance, church leadership and families to hold on to God. He will direct your path,” Akpe said. “Let us not be overambitious or engage in unnecessary competitiveness. If we live that way, even if you get that position, God may leave you alone to handle it.”
He explained that although the thanksgiving event had initially been organized by the church and well-wishers, he adopted it as his personal family thanksgiving for his elevation to office and for what he described as God’s “marvellous works” in his life.
Sermon Highlights Importance of Gratitude
Delivering the sermon titled “The Weapon of Gratitude,” Pastor Emmanuel Okolo of RCCG Youth Province 10, Port Harcourt, described thanksgiving as one of the greatest spiritual weapons available to believers.
Preaching from Gospel of Luke Chapter 17:11–19, Okolo emphasized that God expects people to return with gratitude after receiving blessings.
He said acts of thanksgiving make healing, deliverance and breakthroughs permanent in the lives of believers who practice it sincerely.
Special prayers were later offered for the deputy governor and his family by the Senior Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 27, Pastor Simon Folasayo.
Goodwill Messages and Celebratory Events
Goodwill messages at the event were delivered by Dr. Anthony Akpe, Pastor Leonard Ejiegbu, Professor ThankGod Apere, and Dr. Jones Ebieri, who spoke on behalf of the Akpe family, the church, the Ebedebiri community and the Bayelsa State Government respectively.
Earlier in the day, friends of the deputy governor organized a novelty football match between the Comrades Family and the Disciples of Akpe at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex as part of activities marking his 55th birthday celebration.
The events attracted several dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, members of the state legislature, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi, commissioners, clergy, and community leaders.
Also present were the deputy governor’s parents, His Royal Highness Chief Agadabiri Akpe, the Amananaowei of Ebedebiri, and Mrs. Esther Akpe.
The thanksgiving service concluded with prayers for continued guidance, wisdom and success for the Bayelsa deputy governor as he continues in public service.
(Signed: Mr. Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State — Wednesday, March 11, 2026).
