The remains of former Governor of Bayelsa state, late Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of Bayelsa, has been buried in Amassoma, Southern-Ijaw local government area of the state.
Alamieyesigha was buried after a commendation service by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Saturday.[slideshow]46184[/slideshow]
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa said Alamieyeseigha's demise was a trying time for the people of the Ijaw nation.
Dickson described him as ``a bridge builder" who believed in what is right for his people.
``A bridge builder has departed in our state; a man who knows what is right and just.
``We know we have lost a real hero, but we have put ourselves together and pray for his gentle soul to rest in peace," he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described the deceased as a "man of vision" who brought development to the state.
Jonathan said that his legacy on education and infrastructural development would not be forgotten in the history of Bayelsa and Ijaw nation.
``He brought to us the Niger-Delta University (NDU); he was a man with vision, a champion for peace, unity and social integration," he said.
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, t said Alamieyeseigha's death was regrettable to the nation, prayed for God’s grace and urged the deceased family to bear the loss.
Sheriff said that the late former governor was a real hero, who championed the emancipation of his people.
``He was a real gem and true keeper of his people; may his soul rest in peace," he prayed.
Alamieyeseigha died at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital last October of apparent heart failure shortly after returning from Dubai as words reached him that the Interpol wanted him for corruption-related offenses.
Alameiseigha, who was pardoned by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan on his conviction for corrupt practices as Governor of Bayelsa, was thrown into a panic after a local newspaper reported that President Muhammadu Buhari had requested the government of the United Kingdom to request for his extradition.
The former Governor returned from Dubai as the purported request was criticized by Ijaw groups loyal to the former Governor, who said he request amounts to a political vendetta by the President Buhari Administration.
Mr. Alamieyeseigha's delayed burial had led many to doubt that he was truly dead, the decision by the Bayelsa state government to cancel his open casket laying-in-state further fuelled public doubt with several commentators claiming his death was a stunt pulled by the late politician to avoid arrest for corruption.