Ex-Bayelsa State Governor Dead

Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha

Bayelsa state's first executive governor Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha is dead.

He reportedly died at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State around 4pm at the age of 62.

The former governor reportedly died of cardiac arrest after he was said to have slipped into a coma two days ago and was placed on life support.

There were unconfirmed reports during the week that the British Government was determined to resurrect an outstanding case of money laundering against the former governor and had requested for his extradition to London.

He was governor of Bayelsa State from 1999 to 2005 when he was impeached on corruption charges after he reportedly jumped bail in a London Court.

Alamieyeseigha was succeeded by his political godson and former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who happened to be his deputy at the time.

Close family sources said Mr. Alamieyeseigha was diabetic and was treated in Dubai, but recently returned to Port Harcourt. Born on 16 November 1952 in Amassoma, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He attended Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa. He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a Cadet Officer in 1974 and then joined the Nigerian Air Force, where he served in the department of Logistics and Supply. He held various air force positions in Enugu, Markurdi, Kaduna and Ikeja. Alamieyeseigha retired from the Air Force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader.

After leaving the military he became the Sole Administrator of Pabod Supplies, Port Harcourt. Later he became Head of Budget, Planning, Research and Development of the National Fertiliser Company, NAFCON.

He was elected Governor of Bayelsa State in May 1999 as a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP and re-elected in 2003 but was however controversially impeached on allegations of corruption on 9 December, 2005

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Esueme Dan-Kikili, confirmed the death of the former governor yesterday as Bayelsans where seen discussing the sad news of a man regarded as the “Governor General of the Niger Delta”.