SERAP condemns state burial for Alamieyeseigha

Alamieyesegha

Simon Utebor and Tobi Aworinde

A human rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has criticised the Bayelsa State Government for its decision to spearhead the burial arrangements for a former governor of the state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

The ex-governor, 62, died penultimate Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, of complications arising from high blood pressure and diabetes.

In the wake of a seven-day period of mourning for Alamieyeseigha by the state government, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday set up a 22-member committee to plan for the burial rites for the late ex-governor.

Before his death, the United Kingdom was said to have concluded talks with the Nigerian government to extradite Alamieyeseigha to face trial over alleged corruption.

 The late ex-governor was impeached in 2005, following his escape from the UK after the country charged him with corruption.

 Alamieyeseigha was prosecuted and convicted for corruption in 2007.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was deputy to the deceased during his tenure as governor of Bayelsa from 1999 to 2005, had granted him state pardon.

The Executive Director, SERAP, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, said, “As a Nigerian, in view of the current reality and in view of what we are trying to achieve in terms of the distaste for corruption, granting Alamieyeseigha a state burial is like drawing back the hands of the clock.

 “I know that it is true that as Africans, we are not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but we cannot, on the other hand, eulogise the dead, despite the fact that we know the conduct while alive went against the grains of ethics.

 “I therefore believe that the idea of a state burial for him will not be a proper way of doing things. He was convicted of corruption, so what are we celebrating? Are we saying everything should continue as it is.

Meanwhile, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, has described Alamieyeseigha as a man of many parts whose footprints on the sands of time can never be erased.

Justice Abiri made the tribute when she led a delegation of President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah; Judges of the High Court, Registrars and Deputy Registrars of the State Judiciary on a condolence visit to Dickson at the Government House in Yenagoa on Saturday.

Abiri, who recalled Alamieyeseigha’s roles in various fields, said he was an astute administrator, Squadron Leader in the Nigerian Air Force and crusader for the emancipation of the downtrodden in the Niger Delta, which earned him the nickname, ‘Governor General’ of the Ijaw nation.

In a related development, Chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff also led a delegation of royal fathers to commiserate with the government over Alamieyeseigha’s death.

Diete-Spiff noted that though no one could challenge Alamieyeseigha’s demise, he urged the people to accept his death as the will of God.

Responding, Dickson expressed gratitude to both groups for identifying with him in the moment of grief. He noted that Alamieyeseigha was his confidant and a major pillar of support, who stood by him till the very end.

Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com