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As Bayelsa State marks the 10th anniversary of the death of its first civilian governor, Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend, political ally, and fellow Niger Delta advocate.

In a statement titled “In Eternal Honour of a General: A Tribute to Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha, 10 Years On,” Ibori described Alamieyeseigha as a “martyr” who paid the ultimate price for defending the dignity and aspirations of the Niger Delta people.

“A decade has passed, yet your memory remains etched in our hearts with profound pride and sorrow,” Ibori wrote. “Even in mourning, we find solace in the enduring veneration you receive from Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation, and the entire South-South. This love stands in defiance of the political persecution and disinformation that clouded your final years.”

Recalling the turbulent events of 2005, Ibori said Alamieyeseigha’s ordeal was a “vengeful assault” for daring to stand firm for his people. He recounted how his late colleague was impeached under duress after returning from London amid political hostility and a federal crackdown.

“To your family, I remind them that you died in action. To the Ijaw nation, I reaffirm that you remain our true Governor-General. You fell from injuries sustained in the battle for our dignity. You are our martyr,” Ibori declared.

He praised Alamieyeseigha’s transformative achievements as Bayelsa’s governor, noting that within two years of assuming office in 1999, he had modernized the state capital and improved its power supply.

“You broke the waves ahead of us and inspired unyielding devotion in the crew you left behind. Ten years on, I declare to you, my friend, this is not the end. The prize we sought will still be won. Continue to rest in peace, our General,” Ibori concluded.

Chief James Ibori served as Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007, while Alamieyeseigha governed Bayelsa from 1999 until his impeachment in 2005.

As part of the remembrance activities, the Bayelsa State Government is hosting a public lecture titled “The Niger Delta Voice Through Nigeria’s Soul: Federalism, Resource Control and the Contemporary Nigerian State in DSP Alamieyeseigha’s Legacies.” The lecture will be delivered by Professor Ibaba Samuel Ibaba, a Professor of Political Science at Niger Delta University.