Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson and ex-President, Goodluck
Jonathan, have challenged the Ijaws to pray for God to raise another
leader that would fill the vacuum created by the death of their
Governor-General, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel
Markson-Iworison, said Dickson and Jonathan threw the challenge, during
the thanksgiving service in honour of the first civilian governor of the
state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha at the St. Peters Anglican Church in
Yenagoa.
Governor Dickson pointed out that, a major void has been created following
the passage of the former governor and stressed the need for leaders to do
more by emulating the ideals of Chief Alamieyeseigha.
The Governor noted that, though the departed leader had some adversaries,
it was a general belief that Chief Alamieyeseigha was large-hearted and
fought for the common interest of the Ijaws.
Expressing gratitude to all who graced the funeral ceremonies, the
Governor emphasized that irrespective of differences; the major concern
should be the interest of the people.
He said for the state to make progress, people should imbibe the culture
of respect for constituted authority and shun the pull-him -down syndrome
for leaders, noting that, the state government has institutionalized
support and honour for deserving leaders of the state and the Ijaw nation.
While eulogising the qualities of the former governor, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan described Alamieyeseigha as a visionary leader, whose lifestyle
reflected his names, Solomon and Peter depicting peace and the rock,
noting that whoever takes over the baton of leadership for the Ijaw nation
and the Niger Delta should not be discriminatory, but engender social
transformation.
Highlighting the attributes of a true leader, the former president said,
it requires commitment and sacrifice at all times, which Chief
Alamieyeseigha displayed in his lifetime to the detriment of his own life.
He also described the departed leader as God-fearing, which was evident in
the building of the St. Peters Anglican Church as a befitting place of
worship and adopted it as the state church, as well as initiated the idea
of dedicating Bayelsa to God annually.
In a sermon with the theme, “He That Has An Ear, Let Him Hear What The
Spirit Of God Is Saying To The Churches,” Bishop of the Niger Delta West
Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Emmanuel Oko-Jaja
extolled the character of Chief Alamieyeseigha, pointing out that, the
former governor toiled and bequeathed worthy legacies.
While advising the people of the state to live their lives according to
the dictates of God, Right Reverend Oko Jaja prayed God to grant the
Alamieyeseigha family and the Ijaw nation the fortitude to bear the
irreparable loss.
Dignitaries at the service include, Wife of the former President, Dame
Patience Jonathan, Wife of the state Governor, Dr. Rachel Dickson, Mrs.
Margaret Alamieyeseigha and family, Deputy Governor, retired Rear Admiral
Gboribiogha John Jonah, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, Chief Judge,
Justice Kate Abiri, Chairman Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred
Diete-Spiff as well as former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara.