By Rhoda Godwin
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has cautioned Nigeria’s political class against excessive ambition and unhealthy rivalry in the quest for leadership positions.
Akpe gave the advice on Tuesday during a special birthday thanksgiving service organised in his honour at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Higher Ground Parish, Province 1 headquarters in Yenagoa to mark his 55th birthday.
The deputy governor, who attended the service alongside his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, family members and well-wishers, said while ambition is a natural part of life, excessive ambition often pushes people into actions that contradict God’s plans.
He attributed his emergence as deputy governor to God’s mercy and grace and urged those in governance, church leadership and families to rely on God for direction.
“Let’s not be overambitious or engage in unnecessary competitiveness. If we live our lives that way, even if you get that position, God may leave you alone to handle it,” Akpe said.
He explained that although the birthday service was organised by the church and well-wishers, he adopted it as a family thanksgiving for his elevation and God’s goodness in his life.
In an exhortation titled “The Weapon of Gratitude,” Pastor Emmanuel Okolo of RCCG Youth Province 10, Port Harcourt, described gratitude as a powerful spiritual weapon for believers.
Preaching from Luke 17:11–19, Okolo said thanksgiving strengthens healing, deliverance and breakthroughs for those who continually acknowledge God’s goodness.
Special prayers were later offered for Akpe and his family by the Senior Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 27, Pastor Simon Folasayo.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Anthony Akpe, Pastor Leonard Ejiegbu, Prof. ThankGod Apere and Dr. Jones Ebieri 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 organised a novelty football match between the Comrades Family and the Disciples of Akpe at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa to commemorate his 55th birthday.
The celebration attracted several dignitaries including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Abraham Ingobere, members of the Assembly, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi, commissioners, clergymen and traditional rulers.
Also present were the deputy governor’s parents, His Royal Highness, Chief Agadabiri Akpe, the Amananaowei of Ebedebiri, and his wife, Mrs. Esther Akpe.
