… Say Late Ex-Governor Embodied Federalism, Resource Control, Justice for the Niger Delta
Prominent Niger Delta leaders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, have described the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha as a symbol of true federalism, justice, resource control, and environmental rights.
According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, they made the remarks on Friday during the 10th Memorial Anniversary of the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, held in Yenagoa, with the theme: “The Niger Delta Voice Through Nigeria’s Soul: Federalism, Resource Control and the Contemporary Nigerian State in the DSP Alamieyeseigha Legacies.”
Governor Diri, in his address, said Nigeria’s progress depends on practising true federalism, where sub-national governments enjoy constitutional autonomy. He decried the current system, which he described as an aberration, where resources of the federating units are centrally controlled.
“If we want this country to develop, we cannot use resources from one region to feed another while depriving the area that produces them. That is not federalism,” Diri stated.
The Bayelsa Governor also faulted the Land Use Act, saying it has robbed the Niger Delta people of their natural wealth, and called for its review. He urged unity among the Niger Delta people, warning against allowing party politics or personal interests to derail their collective struggle for justice and development.
“Alamieyeseigha’s advocacy was not just for the Niger Delta but for the progress of Nigeria. We must continue the struggle intellectually and diplomatically,” he added.
In his remarks, former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori described the late Alamieyeseigha as a fearless defender of his people, comparing his sacrifice to that of global freedom icons.
“Like Martin Luther King, the bullet that took Alamieyeseigha was fabricated and delivered by the state. But his ideas and struggle for justice will never die,” Ibori said.
He commended Governor Diri for sustaining Alamieyeseigha’s vision through the annual memorial event, which he said keeps alive the ideals of the Ijaw struggle.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Ibaba S. Ibaba noted that Alamieyeseigha’s emergence as Bayelsa governor was a defining moment in the Niger Delta’s pursuit of equity and self-determination. He said the late leader elevated the region’s cause to the centre of national discourse, insisting that for the Niger Delta, federalism is only meaningful when it ensures control over resources for development and dignity.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr Reuben Abati, with participants including Annkio Briggs, Elder Timi Ogoriba, and Prof. Steve Azaiki.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, Amb. Boladei Igali, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and several top government officials.
