Remains of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, were laid to rest in Amassoma, Southern-Ijaw local government area of the state on Saturday.
The Governor-General of the Ijaw nation was buried after a commendation service by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Speaking at the burial, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State said Alamieyeseigha’s demise was a trying time to the people of 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 true 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, champion for peace, unity and social integration,” he said.
Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 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.
