EXHIBIT (23)(a)

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




We  have issued our report dated January 18, 2002, accompanying the consolidated
financial  statements  incorporated by reference in the Annual Report of Peoples
Bancorp  of  North  Carolina,  Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2001.  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the
Registration  Statement  of  Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. on Form S-3
(File  No.  333-43426,  effective  August  10,  2000).



                                   /s/ PORTER KEADLE MOORE, LLP




Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 2002