Diri, Ibori, Annkio Briggs, Others Honour Alamieyeseigha at 10th Memorial Lecture in Yenagoa
Prominent Nigerians and Bayelsans on Friday converged at the Chief D. S. P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa for a solemn Public Lecture marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State.
The event, obtained by PulseNets, carried the theme “In the Niger Delta Voice, Through Nigeria’s Soul: Federalism, Resource Control and the Contemporary Nigerian State in DSP Alamieyeseigha’s Legacies.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Ibaba S. Ibaba, a respected political scientist, described the late Alamieyeseigha as “a visionary whose advocacy boldly confronted the asymmetric nature of Nigeria’s federalism.”
According to Ibaba, “He was consistent in his belief that oil-producing communities should never become beggars at the gates of their own wealth. He stood firm on derivation and justice.”
PulseNets reported that the panel discussion that followed featured eminent voices including Dr. Reuben Abati, Professor Steve Azaiki, Elder T.K. Ogoriba, and Annkio Briggs. The discussants reflected on Alamieyeseigha’s courage, noting that his pioneer sacrifices built the foundation for Bayelsa’s socio-political progress.
In his goodwill message, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, paid glowing tribute to the late former governor, describing him as “a selfless builder whose visionary leadership made governance in Bayelsa truly functional.”
“Alamieyeseigha never forgot his roots,” Diri told PulseNets. “He visited our communities often, listened to our pains and struggles, and was indeed a man of the people in every sense.”
Governor Diri, while expressing concern about the dwindling unity among Niger Delta governors, emphasised that “Alamieyeseigha believed deeply in the Ijaw Struggle and constantly preached the message of a united Niger Delta.”
“Even in difficult times,” Diri added, “he maintained his dignity and unwavering commitment to our people. The control of our resources remains non-negotiable because if we managed them ourselves, Bayelsa would have been far more developed — just as Alamieyeseigha envisioned.”
Speaking at the same event, Chief James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, eulogised Alamieyeseigha as “a statesman whose dream for a prosperous and united Niger Delta will forever guide future generations.”
Ibori told PulseNets that “his pursuit of resource control and true federalism came at immense personal sacrifice, yet he never wavered. His courage shaped the path for regional self-determination.”
PulseNets learnt that the event attracted an array of dignitaries including Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; Professor Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the State Government; HRH King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom; and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), immediate past Deputy Governor.
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Other distinguished guests present were Dr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority; and Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
Also in attendance were lawmakers, political appointees, traditional rulers, activists, and hundreds of Bayelsans who came to celebrate the enduring legacy of the man fondly remembered as “Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation.”
