Tribute
–
Ijaw Leaders extol late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor of Bayelsa State, at a thanksgiving service after his burial at the weekend
HENRY Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa State governor, and ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan have asked the Ijaws to pray for God to raise another leader that would fill the vacuum created by the death Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, their Governor-General.
Daniel Markson-Iworison, chief press secretary to the governor, in a statement said Dickson and Jonathan threw the challenge, during the thanksgiving service in honour of Alamieyeseigha, first civilian governor of the state, at the St. Peters Anglican Church in Yenagoa.
Governor Dickson pointed out that a major void had been created following the death of the former governor and stressed the need for leaders to do more by emulating the ideals of Alamieyeseigha.
The Governor noted that, though the departed leader had some adversaries, it was a general belief that he was large-hearted and fought for the common interest of the Ijaws.
Expressing gratitude to all who graced the funeral ceremonies, the Governor emphasised 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 institutionalised support and honour for deserving leaders of the state and the Ijaw nation.
While eulogising the qualities of the former governor, 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 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,” Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, extolled the character of 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, 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, Patience Jonathan, wife of the former president, Rachel Dickson, wife of the state governor, Margaret Alamieyeseigha and family, deputy governor, retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Konbowei Benson, speaker, Justice Kate Abiri, chief judge, Alfred Diete-Spiff, chairman traditional rulers council, as well as Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President.
— Apr 11, 2016 @ 14:20 GMT
|
Tags:
