Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar describes the deceased former governor of Bayalsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as an astute politician who firmly protected the interest of the Ijaw people.
The former Vice President in a press statement released by his media office in Abuja on Sunday, 11 October, says the announcement of the death of Alamieyeseigha came to him as a rude shock.
The Turaki Adamawa eulogizes the late Alamieyeseigha for being a worthy ambassador of the Ijaw nation, and for contributing his quota in the service of the nation, and the development of democratic governance in the country.
“No one can dispute the fact that the late Governor General of the Ijaw nation, as he was fondly called, stood firm like a rock in preserving the interest of the Ijaw people is, and was a strong supporter of democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The news of the demise of Alamieyeseigha came to me as with many Nigerians as a rude shock. He was a true leader of the Ijaw people, and also contributed his own quota in the development of Bayelsa State when he was governor of the state.
“I recall with fond memories the deep appreciation which the late Alamieyeseigha had for democratic governance in Nigeria. Irrespective of the divergent opinions of Nigerians about his legacies as the governor of Bayelsa State, Alamieyeseigha died earning the respect and admiration of the people of Bayelsa State and, I dare say, the people of Ijaw land. He was a friend and a brother and just like the people of Bayelsa State, I will miss him, too,” Atiku says.
” It was only a few days ago that he came to visit me, and wished me well as I recover from my leg procedure.”
Atiku however prays to God to give the Alamieyeseigha family, Bayelsa State and the entire Ijaw people the fortitude to bear the loss.
