Former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, yesterday expressed grief over the sudden death of former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, describing him as a leader who was committed to the development of his state and his native Ijaw land.
In a message of condolence to the family of the deceased, Jonathan recalled that he served as deputy Governor to the late Alamieseigha, adding that he had a vision for the mainstreaming of his people into the national development agenda.
Below is the text of the statement: “I convey my deepest condolences to the Bayelsa State Government, and the family of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, over his sudden passage, the news of which I have just received.
“Chief Alamieyeseigha was the first Executive Governor of Bayelsa state with whom I served as the Deputy Governor. He was a leader that was totally committed to the development of Bayelsa State and Ijawland. I knew his vision for the advancement of Ijaw land and his commitment to the mainstreaming of his people into the national development and growth agenda.
“I pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal repose and provide his immediate family the fortitude to bear the sad loss”, the statement added.
Alamieyeseigha reportedly slipped into a coma two days ago and was placed on life support.
Recall that the British Government had earlier determined to resurrect an outstanding case of money laundering against the former governor and had requested for his extradition to London.
Alamieyeseigha, who was facing money laundering charges, jumped bail and returned to Nigeria and has since then refused to answer summons for trial to continue.
He was born on November 16, 1952 in Amassoma, Ogboin North Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
He attended the Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974, then joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply.
He held various air force positions in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja. Alamieyeseigha retired from the air force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader.
After leaving the air force he became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies Port Harcourt. Later he became Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached on allegations of corruption on 9 December 2005.
