The Burden On Peter Akpe As Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
By Enideneze Etete – The circumstantial emergence of Pastor (Dr.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe, as deputy governor of Bayelsa State, at a time the status and roles of the office have been redefined in the state beyond the “spare tyre” label of the position, places a huge burden on him.
Constitutionally, the office of deputy governor has limited authority and responsibility, compared to the governor’s position. Thus, it takes a governor who is benevolent and not excessively power-thirsty to accord more responsibilities to the deputy, not only in absentia but even when the boss is present.
This constitutional limitation, and the attitude of some governors, brought about the derogatory label of deputy governor being a “spare tyre” on the vehicle of governance, useful only when one of the tyres bursts. Indeed, the power relationship between many past and serving deputy governors in Nigeria, attests to this, and the strife that ensued, despite the credentials and capacity of some deputies.
The elevation of Akpe to the number two coveted seat in the state, followed constitutional prerogative of the governor, Senator Douye Diri, after demise of the former occupant, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjako (May his soul rest in peace).
And ordinarily, Akpe’s position is tied to the limited constitutional authority a deputy could exert in governance. Except for the difference Diri has shown in redefining the second-in-command’s office, in contrast to states where the deputy governor is actually reduced to a “spare tyre.”
Diri, a benevolent leader and team player, enlarged and enriched the position of deputy governor with more authority and responsibilities on his late lieutenant, Ewhrudjako. He was not jealous for doing so.
On his part, the late Ewhrudjako reciprocated the governor’s magnanimity by being obedient, loyal and dedicated to carrying out the enormous duties in different sectors assigned to him. He earned from admirers, the Monica of Workaholic Deputy Governor, just as his boss called him the Dependable Ally.
The relationship between them was indeed jolly for six years, as was also showcased in their energetic dance outings during political, state, church and traditional ceremonies.
Though later threatened by the governor’s move to the APC, the bonding was strengthened by the common fate of emerging from the political orchestration of former governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, and being enthroned miraculously as governor and deputy governor, after losing their first election.
Despite threat of friction, which could have arisen openly, when Diri moved to the APC with teeming supporters, he and the late Ewhrudjako brotherly and maturely managed their relationship from turning frosty, at least in the eyes of the public.
Compared to previous administrations in the state, Diri and Ewhrudjako made the best pair of governor-deputy governor synergy. And this was enhanced by decorum, mutual trust, respect, patriotism and commitment to development of the state, exemplified in the lofty infrastructure projects, as the outcome of their cooperation.
Perhaps, next to them is the Henry Seriake Dickson-Gboribiogha John Jonah pair as intelligent governor and deputy governor. In that era, the brilliant retired Rear Admiral Jonah exuded patience, loyalty, amiable demeanour, discipline, articulacy, responsibility and patriotism, despite the authoritativeness of his boss, Dickson. There was indeed, no love lost openly, until terminal part of the administration when Jonah defected to the APC to try senatorial election in Bayelsa East, and the relationship became suspect. The somewhat teamwork between them, resulted in some lofty infrastructure projects.
For Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha-Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s time, Jonathan’s high academic qualification; his extempore public speaking prowess, frankness, loyalty, uncommon humility, commitment to service, added colour to the administration and Alamieyeseigha’s robustness. This was amid tolerance of some of the governor’s closest aides, who disdained the person and office of the deputy governor as a “spare tyre,” despite his capacity. The rest is history, how his charisma and grace shot him to apex leadership position in Nigeria.
Chief Timipre Sylva-Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi’s era, is quite distant in comparison to the rest. The “spare tyre” label and approach to role of deputy governor, was resisted by Ebebi. The duo had frosty personal and administrative relationship; with rumours of readiness to exchange blows physically.
Ebebi’s assertion of his rights, feeling that he had been speaker of the State House of Assembly twice and deputy governor twice, thus should not be pushed over, led to the bizarre demolition of his office in Creek Haven. Impeachment was plotted against him, and he was removed from office – Chief Werinepiri Seibarugu, then as speaker, took over the position. Court voided the impeachment and restored Ebebi’s position and emoluments, but he chose not to return to office due to the short time that was left and the acrimony that had existed.
Expectations are high, and rightly so, that Akpe would measure up in deputizing Diri in the remaining two years of the tenure.
This is because the governor thoughtfully selected him for the position. Of course, Akpe is armed with sterling academic and professional qualifications; administrative, political, legislative, religious and grassroots experiences, besides moral rectitude and hard work.
As in politics, the governor would have decided to select any other person, eminently qualified or not, just for his interest or for political patronage. Competence and patriotism could have been easily sacrificed on the altar of patronage.
This is where the divine streak comes to play in Akpe’s elevation, a reward not only for service to political leaders and the state, but also a blessing from the God, on whose vineyard he works as pastor, and for building a temple for His worship.
The optimism that the deputy could deliver on the divine mandate is also on the heels of his having served in the inner circle of the prosperity administration as deputy chief of staff and chief of staff, and mastered the system.
Aside from these, Diri’s team-spirit and inclusive leadership style raises the most hope. It is believed, and strongly too, that the deputy would be treated as a confidant and accorded responsibility matched with a good dose of authority, to leverage the potential, dynamism and pragmatism, he brings to the team. Though not at the risk of over empowerment, as Machiavelli would theorize, even if the deputy has no record of power-snatching.
Given Akpe’s impressive profile, cognate experience, performance in previous offices, and grassroots connection, I need not say much on the task ahead him, nor doubt his capacity in deputizing the governor. Nevertheless, it behoves me to do so a bit, in few aspects.
The office of the deputy, like that of the governor has obligation to the entire state, as his entire constituency, far bigger than local government or legislative constituency. This means that the deputy governor’s office has wider and varied stakeholders or publics, within and outside government and the state. Thus, the tasks and obligations transcend clique, partisan, secular and clannish cleavages to macro scale. Indeed, various stakeholders would expect official services, and for some, “stomach infrastructure” and other welfare largesse.
Therefore, an open door policy is expected of Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, PhD, more than in the previous offices he had occupied. As the second-in-command, he is the Executive’s alter ego (the Governor’s other-self), to represent and act the mind of the boss, while feeling the pulse of the people and conveying feedback to the governor. This role, like that of a public relations officer, demands regular, fair and diplomatic interactions and communication with the publics.
As the governor’s other-self, the deputy is the closest and first advisor to his boss, hence should have the verve to counsel on policy and leadership behaviours. The new office, higher than chief of staff’s position entails courteous but bold effort to make input to governance. And the governor, Senator Diri, I know as my teacher, an intelligent and calm man ever since; a listening leader, he would buy into brilliant suggestions from his deputy.
One thing that is also pertinent is that the deputy governor should be wary of sycophants, court-jesters and boot-lickers. Such persons could hype only positive stories, without pointing out unpalatable sides of a matter, or feed-backing him with reality. They could blackmail people to him. They could even try to sow seeds of discord among him and the top-echelons of the system, to likely make ends meet or destroy the system and governance.
As the deputy governor’s office is more demanding than his previous office, in terms of executive status and assignments, Pastor Akpe could inject some more professionals to handle or support in handling specialized functional areas in his new office. This could make for effective service delivery, and catalyze realization of the governor’s visions.
No doubt, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, PhD, whose dint of hard work was noticeable to some of us right from his undergraduate years, and has honed his potential through further education, work and political career, could make a mark on his new assignment as deputy governor, all things being equal. Congrats, Great Nkoplite!
