Nigeria TV Info — Niger Delta Leaders Honour Late Alamieyeseigha, Describe Him as Symbol of Justice and True Federalism

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Prominent Niger Delta leaders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, have paid glowing tributes to the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, describing him as a timeless symbol of justice, true federalism, and the struggle for resource control in Nigeria.

The leaders made the remarks on Friday during the 10th memorial anniversary of Alamieyeseigha, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in honour of the first civilian governor of the state.

Speaking at the event themed “The Niger Delta Voice Through Nigeria’s Soul: Federalism, Resource Control and The Contemporary Nigerian State in The DSP Alamieyeseigha Legacies,” Governor Diri said Nigeria must embrace true federalism for the nation to progress.

He noted that the current structure, where the Federal Government controls the resources of sub-national entities, undermines the principles of equity and development.

> “It is an aberration for a country that claims to practice federalism to centralize control of resources. The states, as federating units, should have relative autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution,” Diri stated.

The Bayelsa governor emphasized that if Nigeria genuinely practiced federalism, agitations from minority ethnic nationalities across the country would be significantly reduced.

Former Governor Ibori, along with other Niger Delta leaders, described Alamieyeseigha as the voice of the Niger Delta people, whose courage and advocacy for justice and fairness remain an enduring inspiration.

They noted that his legacies continue to shape conversations around resource control, regional equity, and national development, urging leaders across Nigeria to emulate his selfless vision and commitment to the advancement of his people.