Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the recent sudden death of the first executive governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as a trying time in the history of Bayelsa.
A Government House statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, quoted Dickson as saying that the late Alamieyeseigha laid the foundation for the development of modern Bayelsa.
The governor further stated that the exit of the former governor, who is fondly referred to as the ‘Governor-General’ of Ijaw nation, has created a major vacuum in the political life of the state.
“Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation have lost a major leader and pillar. The vacuum created by Alamieyeseigha departure will be difficult to fill.
“We are grieving. It is a painful incident and difficult times for the family, the state and Ijaw nation. He was a leader to all of us and we are all going to miss him.
“These are trying times for the state and the immediate family. Alamieyeseigha laid a solid foundation for the development of our state,” the statement said.
Dickson, who had earlier declared a seven day state mourning for late Alamieyeseigha, enjoined Bayelsans to come together to give him a befitting burial.
The governor, who had earlier paid a condolence visit to the Alamieyeseigha family at Opolo and Port Harcourt residences, noted that, Bayelsans are proud of his life and the legacies he left behind.
He said, “The government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the family to give him a heroic burial. The burden he has left behind is heavy but we can see the unity of purpose by the family and the people.
“We‘ve lost the greatest, biggest supporter and leader of our state. Only God can comfort us. Alamieyeseigha spoke up when necessary and stood up for the Ijaw course.”
Meanwhile, Governor Dickson on Wednesday announced the setting up of a committee to plan for the burial rites of the late Alamieyeseigha, with the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd), as chairman.
Other members of the committee include the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kombowei Benson (Vice Chairman) and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru (Secretary).
The committee also has the following persons as members; they are Senator Foster Ogola; member of the House of Representatives, Henry Ofongo; Commissioners of Information and Orientation; Health; Works and Infrastructure and Culture and Ijaw National Affairs.
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