Yenagoa stands still as Jonathan, others pay last respects to Alamieyeseigha"

YENAGOA the Bayelsa State capital yesterday stood still as
former President Goodluck Jonathan led prominent Nigerians to
pay their respects to the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State
and governor general of Ijaw Nation, late Chief Diepreye Alamieye-
seigha at a special executive valedictory session held at the
Government House Banquet Hall. Alamieyeseigha died at the
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital on October 15 last
year over complication from kidney related ailment.

Shops and businesses premises were shut as Bayelsans and
residents trooped out in their thousands to pay their respects to
their fallen hero. Many fought back tears as the casket draped in
the state colours was driven to the Banquet Hall in a motorcade.
Among dignitaries at valedictory sessions were former present
Jonathan and wife Patience, widow of Alamieye-seigha, Dr Mrs.
Magreat Alamieyeseigha, Governor Seriake Dickson and wife Dr
Mrs. Rachael, deputy governor John Jonah, chairman of the State
Traditional Rulers Council and former Military Administrator of Old
Rivers State, His Royal Majesty King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the state
Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri and members of the state
executive.

Others include all former members of the State Executive Council
from 1999 and members of the State House of Assembly from
1999 to date, chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP
across the country, founding fathers of Bayelsa State, political
associates and friends of the late former governor. In his tributes,
Jonathan described as sad the death of Alamieyeseigha who he
referred to as his boss and ally, regretting that it is unfortunate
Alamieyeseigha did not live longer.

He eulogized the former governor for his significant contribution
to the human resources and infrastructure development of
Bayelsa and Ijaw nation. Jonathan said, “When I was a deputy
governor, Alamieyeseigha I was responsible to run the affairs of
government in his absence, he took me as his ally and I did not
abused the privilege , he trusted me.”

To immortalize the late Alamieyeseigha, Governor Dickson named
the Government House Banquet Hall, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha
Memorial Banquet Hall and the road linking Yenagoa to
Alamieyeseigha’s home town Amassoma as Chief DSP
Alamieyesigha Road. Dickson disclosed that the state government
will construct a symbolic mausoleum in honour of the late
Alamieyesigha at the Ijaw Hero’s Park in the state capital and also
commissioned a group of scholars to document the life and
times of the late Alamieyeseigha for the Ijaw history project.

In his tribute, Dickson who described Alamieyeseigha as a great
leader and a major voice of Ijaw people regretted that he passed
on at a time his companionship and services were most needed
and noted that the Ijaw nation is united in grief and celebration of
a life well lived.

The valedictory session also featured tributes from former
secretary to the state government Professor Steve Azaiki, close
political associates, past members of the state executive council,
and traditional rulers. The remains of the late Alamieyeseigha
would be interred today (Saturday) in his country home
Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.