Deputy governor of Bayelsa State

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State
Incumbent Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo since 14 February 2020
Executive branch of the Government of Bayelsa State
Style	His Excellency The Honorable (alternative)
Member of	Executive Council
Seat	Yenagoa
Term length	Four years
Inaugural holder	Goodluck Jonathan
Formation	1 October 1996
Salary	₦2,112,215
Website	https://bayelsastate.gov.ng/

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State is the second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch of the state government, serving directly under the Governor of Bayelsa State. ^[1] The office was established on October 1, 1996, following the creation of Bayelsa State from Rivers State during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

The Deputy Governor is elected alongside the Governor on a joint ticket by popular vote and serves a four-year term, renewable once for a maximum of eight years. The current Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, assumed office on February 14, 2020, serving under Governor Douye Diri.

History

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State was established on October 1, 1996, following the state's creation from Rivers State during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Goodluck Jonathan became the first Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, serving alongside Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha from 1999 to 2005.

Peremobowei Ebebi ^[2] was the first Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to be impeached by the State House of Assembly during the administration of Governor Timipre Sylva.

Qualifications

As outlined in Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), an individual is eligible to serve as governor (or deputy governor) of Bayelsa State if they meet the following criteria: ^[3]

• Must be at least 30 years old.
• Must be a citizen of Bayelsa State by birth.
• Must be a member of a political party and officially endorsed by that party.
• Must possess a minimum of a School Certificate or its equivalent.

Responsibilities

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria outlines the key functions of the Deputy Governor, ^[4] which include:

• Assisting the Governor: The Deputy Governor aids the Governor in the execution of executive functions, providing counsel and ensuring effective governance.
• Acting as Governor: In cases where the Governor is unable to perform their duties due to death, resignation, impeachment, absence, or incapacitation, the Deputy Governor assumes the role of Acting Governor to maintain continuity in governance.
• Overseeing Specific Portfolios: The Deputy Governor may be assigned to oversee specific ministries, departments, or agencies to ensure the effective implementation of state policies and programs.
• Policy Implementation: The Deputy Governor plays a critical role in ensuring that the state's policies and programs are executed efficiently to achieve the state’s development objectives.

See also

• Governor of Bayelsa State
• List of governors of Bayelsa State
• Government of Bayelsa State

References

1. "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria". www.nigeria-law.org. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
2. eribake, akintayo (2010-06-26). "The Sacking of Bayelsa Deputy Governor : The Removal of An Impeachment Expert". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
3. "Basic qualifications for elections in Nigeria". www.stears.co. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
4. "State Executive". nigeria-law.org. Retrieved 7 May 2015.