First civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, died on Saturday evening just a week after the United Kingdom demanded his extradition to face criminal charges of corruption and for which he jumped bail years back.
It was not known if the extradition notice had been acknowledged by the Federal Government of Nigeria, but family sources say the former governor’s illness started just when the extradition notice became known to him.
This led to the heart attack he suffered leading to a coma and subsequent death at the Rivers State Teaching Hospital on Saturday evening.
Aged 62, Alamieyeseigha, who was born 16th November 1952, was impeached in 2005, faced a two-year jail in July 2007 for money laundering, but granted pardon by former President Goodluck Jonathan, his former Deputy Governor.
Alamieyeseigha was known to have jumped bail in the UK, disguised as a woman after facing three count charges of money laundering. Police had found £1 million in cash in his London address and property in his name worth £10 million.
Seriake Dickson Reacts
Current Governor of the state, Seriake Dickson described Alamieyeseigha’s death of as a personal loss especially as he prepares for his re-election.
Dickson said the late Alamieyeseigha was a strong pillar of support to the restoration government in the state, adding that the entire Ijaw nation had lost a prominent son.
The government commiserated with the bereaved wife, Margret, his immediate and extended family and the entire people of the state.
Alamieyeseigha was Governor-General
Senator Ben Bruce, in his condolence message posted on his Twitter page, called the late Alamieyeseigha the Governor-General of Bayelsa.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, who has just passed on.
“I also want to condole with the Gov Henry Dickson, as well as the good people of Bayelsa on the loss of this worthy son of the Ijaw nation
“Alamieyeseigha was a bridge builder who united the Ijaw nation, an achievement that earned him the title Gov General of the Ijaw nation.
“After leaving office, DSP was of service to Nigeria in his courageous efforts to end the Niger Delta militancy at risk to his safety.
“Alamieyeseigha also made inroads to other parts of the nation in order to build unity and compromise which are always needed in Nigeria.”He was a great man and may his soul rest in peace. Senator Ben Murray Bruce,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Izon Brotherhood in the Diaspora has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible for the death of Alamieyeseigha.
In a statement shortly after the incident was announced, the group based in Germany said the former governor’s death was quickened following the extradition notice.
The group, through its spokesman, Arc. Pere Jones, accused the APC of being behind extradition notice.
According to him, the APC influenced the inclusion of Alamieyesiegha’s name among those wanted by the UK government even after going through prosecution, conviction and pardon.
“Clearly, it’s a shame to all our Ijaw brothers who are in league with the APC, witch-hunting and working against their fellow Ijaw brothers and sisters, being singled out for alleged corruption charges.
“They should be ashamed of themselves.
“Frankly no Ijaw man worth his salt should have anything to do with APC.
“With what they have done to our dear leader, Alamieyesiegha, no right thinking son or daughter of Ijaw extraction should be seen associating with the APC. His death is really unfortunate,” the statement said without giving details of how the group found out that the APC had a role to play in the extradition notice sent to the former governor.
