This is a big shame on every Nigerian for a Governor to be arrested abroad, big shame.

And to think that this same governor was reported in a newspaper on August 03, 2005 as follows:

Alamieyeseigha wants criminals barred from elective office

"Bayelsa State Governor, Diepriye Alameisegha, has called forthe strengthening of the nation's electoral laws to curtail excessive electoral spending and prevent criminals or those with criminal records from contestingelective office.

In a message delivered by his Deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, ata seminar on “Winning the War Against Corruption” in Abuja, Alamieyeseigha, who commended government's stride with the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau,also urged the bodies not to ignore the private sector.

He lamented that “it is only in Nigeria where peoplewho looted banks to a distress situation are allowed to use such loots to opentheir own banks or are given high political appointment".

Alamieyeseigha, whose paper was titled: “Corruption Reduction Through Government Policies: The Bayelsa Experience”, explainedthe various mechanism put in place by the state government to check corruptionas it was inimical to national growth and development and as such, must beabhorred by all and sundry. "

Nigerian rulers are big jokers for real!

---

Update: Governor Alamieyisiegha is Back in Nigeria! <editor>

This is a big disgrace. If it's true. What a shame. It makes me laugh though.

From The News:
"The governor of Nigeria's oil-rich Bayelsa state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has been arrested in the UK, the British Embassy in Lagos has confirmed. London police say a 53-year-old man was picked by their special Economic Crimes Unit at Heathrow Airport on Thursday."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4253362.stm

"Confirming the arrest last night, Mr. Dapo Ogunwusi, former editor of Tribune, who spoke from London, said that at the time he spoke with Daily Sun (10.20PM) the London policemen were still searching Alamieyeseigha’s home in London."
http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2005/sep/16/national-16-09-2005-001.htm

"The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been informed of the arrest and questioning of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha by the Metropolitan Police, London," said EFCC spokesman Osita Nwajah in a statement.

In a swift response, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the largest Ijaw militant group, described the arrest as "a conspiracy" between the British authorities and Nigerian government and "part of a grand plan to destabilize the Ijaws."

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/17/content_3501642.htm

"Embattled governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Deprieye Alamieyeseigha, who was arrested in Britain by the London Metropolitan Police on Thursday morning, has been granted bail. The police released him after a court order to that effect yesterday. The governor may, however, not be allowed to leave Britain until November when the case is expected to come up again."
http://www.independentng.com/saturday/nnsep170502.htm

"For the Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the road to freedom may be long and tortuous. The London Metropolitan Police yesterday in an exclusive interview with Thisday confirmed that the embattled governor will not return to Nigeria until his case has been determined."
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=28423

"The great Governor General is in trouble. A big trouble. He has seen and survived many troubles in the past, both as an Air Force officer and even as a Governor of one of the most restless states in Nigeria. Somehow, he has endeavoured to overcome, manage or tame his troubles. But this time, the stakes are different, as the troubles are offshore. He is Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter (DSP) Alamieyeseigha, the Governor of Bayelsa state. A man whose excitement at being addressed as Governor General of the Ijaw nation far exceeds that of being recognised as Bayelsa State Governor."
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=28415

"Ijaw youths yesterday warned of a possible reprisal attack on personnel and oil facilities of British interests if the embattled Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State was not released immediately by the London Authorities."
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=28419

Its a shame that these briefcase governors (it was Dariye and now Alamieyeseigha) would be arrested and prosecuted abroad. As long as all these people have immunity in Nigeria, they will make EFCC redundant, which is why it is difficult for EFCC to go after these people in full swing.

Perhaps, if these people can exploit their immunity for a terrible advantage in Nigeria, I support EFCC to work with their foreign counterparts to wisk them off at any slight opportunity.

I'm also dismayed at the total lack of transparency. Its reputed that his political cohorts has labelled this as part of grandplan against the Ijaws. This is a sick conclusion. The Ijaw youths we thaught was fighting for transparency in the Delta is now shouting "dont prosecute our thieving governor" - sick.

Looks like our dear governors may be thinking twice now before passing through London. I hope the EFCC work with the rest of EU agencies to ensure these culprits are apprehended anywhere they chose to pass by. If these agencies are apprehending lots of ordinary Nigerians for 419 and associated financial crimes, the political class should not be excluded.

I hope all the evidence comes to light and if he is guilty, this man is thoroughly punished. Perhaps it will stop some of the other crooks

It always amaze me why laws in Nigeria are setup solely for the less and non well-off.  What stops these thieves (sorry governors) from being procecuted, atleast they should be remove from office. These issue of financial impropriety cut across all strata of the political system here in Nigeria.

The future of this country look really really bleak, the youths have no role models hence the need for them to involve themselves in online frauds.  Or what is it that separate a bastard and psychopath that call himself governor who is stealing money and a 419er.

Tonight i say it, may all the governors that are stealing and keeping what belong to the masses for their own enrichment never know peace, may the sufferings of the masses never allow them to eat the fruit of these stealings, may the blood of all convicted common criminals haunt them for life.

Hey brother, good that you wrote this, it is really a big shame. Most of these Nigerian politicians are just criminals. There are still thousands of them in Nigeria that need to be arrested, people like our so called VP, I mean Atiku, Babangida etc.They are very bad men.

It's a crying shame these IYC people can only spout their conspiracy theory crap. The man is clearly a thief and should be made to pay for his actions. I really don't care if he's 'just recovering from surgery'. Less privileged thieves have been hung or shot for lesser offences.

The IYC people should learn to actually WORK like the rest of us do, instead of raising hell over nothing. If they choose to stand by a thief, then they too must be criminals!

Hiya All,

I'm Tally and just join the forum. The arrest of his excellency the Governor is so sad it almost laughable .

Well lets hope that all implicated will be brought to justice. What is most amazing is the fact that the gov doesnt seem to be disputing that money was found or is in any way exonerating himself and worse still the Ijaw Youth, dont see it as a shame that the man's character has been tainted by this fracas...rather their busy pointing fingers at the Nigerian and British government!!! It amazing.......... .

I feel quite ashamed right now that this man still has the right to call himself a Nigerian.......pity.

In it all have a nice week folks.

Ciao... oops bye for now

Tally

I missed the news! Oh My Gosh! A state governor? This is simply absurd. So let me ask oooooo.. What about those crocks that are still in Nigeria and yet in high postions like Alamieyeseigha? Should we wait till they come overseas to be arrested? We Nigerians overseas face the consequences of such crimes as well so can we do something about it? besides, it could hinder our progress and of course our reputation. I'm horrified but may God deliver us from the hands of the evil men!

All our leaders may not be crooks.

Seun:

All our leaders may not be crooks.

That's true Seun but majority of them are.

Barawoooooooo

Seun:

All our leaders may not be crooks.

Using the word 'may' in the above remark is simply trying to be unnecessarily diplomatic. The evidences of leadership style in Nigeria points to the fact that every person placed in a position of leadership in Nigeria, at whatever level, has enriched themselves by virtue of the position.

Seun, honestly I see no point for diplomacy in discussing a cancerous national problem, and a shameful international reputation. Nigeria as a sick country cannot be healed until we avoid unnecessary mollification and people start calling a spade a spade.

Danfo, there is need for diplomacy o. I live in Nigeria!

. It's ok Seun don't worry that much cos help is on the way! Is it?

I don't mean to labour the point, but I just can't resist sharing these:

"We know this country is headed by thieves. It is quite clear. Look at all these allegations of corruption against the governors, against the president, against the National Assembly and even the Judiciary......"

available:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200509190103.html

Let us not condemn the guy just yet... What happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Having said that, what the fv(k with was he doing with a million pounds? In cash for that matter? The man is a bloody criminal and I hope they send him for some hard time in Brixton.

Chxta:

Let us not condemn the guy just yet... What happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Having said that, what the fv(k with was he doing with a million pounds? In cash for that matter? The man is a bloody criminal and I hope they send him for some hard time in Brixton.

Amen to that!

Excuse my for sounding stupid, but what exactly is the man supposed to have done? What cimes has he been charged with?

He was arrested for money laundering, probably the money is a proceed from some illegal drugs trade.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission estimates that Nigeria's past rulers stole or misused 220 Billion Pounds. This amount is as much as all the western aid given to Africa in almost four decades. "The looting of Africa's most populous country amounted to a sum equivalent to 300 years of British aid for the continent." Source: The Telegragh of London, June 25th, 2005 Have you ever thought of what that money could have done for us over the years? if spent judiciously.Remember that you can contribute to corruption through your actions or inactions..help rid Nigeria of corruption by sending this to as many Nigerians as possible..."you do not have power to change the past but you can influence the future" Our future and the future of our children

< see http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/25/wnig25.xml >

okay, okay, enough with the condemnation already.  George Bush is there blowing up nations and stealing their oil in the bid of keeping world peace. You don't hear americans castigating him and all. 
Good enough we know the capability of our national leaders and we, as true nigerians totally condem this act of crime. It completely dents the image of the few good ones here in the UK, BUT i really don't think that this whole act of we shouting " kill him! kill him! nigerian govt [ooopss we too] are criminals" is going to help restore our image or gain us any respect.

Just a food for thot.............  Would it be right for the british Govt to hold to another nation's governor  for so long? seize his passport and restrict his movement. Why should his court case be in Uk?  Why not hand him over to the fedral govt of his country.  WOULD THE BRITISH GOVT HAD DONE THIS SAME THING TO A US MAYOR, OR ONE OF GEORGE BUSHs' BOYZ


we congratulate EFCC. Thats the best thing that has happend to 9jia in a while. But lets be able to handle our own shiit yeah

lioness:

okay, okay, enough with the condemnation already.  George Bush is there blowing up nations and stealing their oil in the bid of keeping world peace. You don't hear americans castigating him and all. 
Good enough we know the capability of our national leaders and we, as true nigerians totally condem this act of crime. It completely dents the image of the few good ones here in the UK, BUT i really don't think that this whole act of we shouting " kill him! kill him! nigerian govt [ooopss we too] are criminals" is going to help restore our image or gain us any respect.

Just a food for thot.............  Would it be right for the british Govt to hold to another nation's governor  for so long? seize his passport and restrict his movement. Why should his court case be in Uk?  Why not hand him over to the fedral govt of his country.  WOULD THE BRITISH GOVT HAD DONE THIS SAME THING TO A US MAYOR, OR ONE OF GEORGE BUSHs' BOYZ


we congratulate EFCC. Thats the best thing that has happend to 9jia in a while. But lets be able to handle our own shiit yeah

You seem to be missing the point here, Money Laundering is an international crime.The purpose of laundering money is to convert money or property gained from illegal activities into money that appears to have been legally earned. .

UK money laundering statutes apply equally to the UK and foreign individual or organization who seeks to launder money regardless to whether you are a Nigerain State Governor or  a British citizen.The law is non-discriminatory in that regard.

My friend, once you cross into the International arena there is nothing like 'handle our own shiit'   in the ab-normal Nigerian style. Rather the UN treaty that helps countries recover corruption funds takes effect

Its funny you should say that Danfo 'because i think its you who do not get the point.
My point - The harm has been done, we totally condem this act, he will bear the consequences and others will learn but don't call him a thief until proven to be one.
My point 2 - Fellow nigerians like you going around with stones to kill him wont help matters. for instance your statement that nigeria [your own country] is ruled by thieves is bad. It really doesnt help the image of other nigerians or the country. what makes you think they are ALL thieves.
if you re actually a nigerian, no matter which country u reside in or how long you've been there, it wont be fair for you to say that.

lioness:

Its funny you should say that Danfo 'because i think its you who do not get the point.
My point - The harm has been done, we totally condem this act, he will bear the consequences and others will learn but don't call him a thief until proven to be one.
My point 2 - Fellow nigerians like you going around with stones to kill him wont help matters. for instance your statement that nigeria [your own country] is ruled by thieves is bad. It really doesnt help the image of other nigerians or the country. what makes you think they are ALL thieves.
if you re actually a nigerian, no matter which country u reside in or how long you've been there, it wont be fair for you to say that.

Lioness, firstly the word 'thieves' was not used by myself I was merely quoting an african news site to which I provided a link for those interested in reading the full article.

I agree with you that it's not fair to call him a thief until proven guilty. But considering the fact that his salary as a governor cannot buy him a London home in Edgware, Central London, give him the latitude to have £1 Million cash lying around in a safe, and operate 7 bank accounts in London with millions of pounds in them, then I will settle for the word ‘Barawo’ until he’s proven guilty.

On your second point, I find it comical and very laughable that you think an obscure statement made by me won’t help Nigerian image, the world is a global village now and information is readily available at the click of a mouse. Go to Google website and type ‘Nigeria’ or ‘419’ and see what comes up. Corruption in Nigeria is a fratricide  which has become  a new form of genocide because people are dying from hunger and starvation and desperation.

So don’t put the blame on me on others who are courageous enough to look in the national mirror to see our defects so that, perhaps, we can change by allowing the fear of GOD to become dominant in our national psyche or consciousness and the way we rule and manage our resources for the good of all Nigerian citizens.

I am of the opinion that a culture where those caught stealing public money receives public sympathy is strange. Indeed,  I am a Nigerian living abroad but every time I look around me I often think how nice it would be if this country was Nigeria, where people have access to good health, education, social security, police protection, road, and an overall good standard of living which makes concern for basic amenities of life unnecessary so that people can concentrate on their goals and aspirations in life.

So my response is not for a vain purpose or to dent an already battered image, but out of love and passion for Nigeria to wake up and fulfil its potential which is presently being frustrated by its leaders through blind and reckless corruption.

@Lioness. I got it. To my understanding as of today and with solid proofs, most of our leaders are crooks including this man on the floor (Alamieyeseigha). If you are suggesting that it's better to send him back to be judged by his fellow crooks then I object. He has played the big guys game and he's caught up with it; whose fault is it? who's to blame? And talk of holding him and restricting him from travelling, well he has crossed the boundary and there he'll remain till his judgment. By the way what brought him there? For international affairs? In search of help? Oil conference? Could it be drugs? . Anyways let's see how that will go. I can't wait to hear what he's going come up with. These guys are good crooks with good connections but in Britain? Pls that could be his final stop.

If you've been following the news, the EFCC has admitted to having a hand in this arrest. They could not prosecute him here because of his immunity from prosecution as a Governor, so they decided to hand him over to the Britons. The Nigerian government has not asked for him to be handed over because, as a Governor, they can't prosecute him here.

Yeah, Seun is right, (O boy why u delete my post?).

The EFCC has gotten frustrated with the fact that they can't get to this fellow (and some other thieving governors like him), so the best thing to do is to get them where they can be gotten... abroad.

See, this people may be under constant surveillance in Nigeria, and they know it. Some of them also know that their tenures are coming to and end in under 2 years, and that will spell an end to the immunity that they are misbehaving under now. So what guarantees do we have that by that 2 years time they won't have muddied the money trail in such a way that it'd be impossible to truly (and legally) link them with anything?

Lemme ask another question here... why didn't Alamieyeseigha inform the Nigerian diplomatic mission in the UK that he an elected and currently serving official of one of the arms of the FRN was in the UK? Why should they begin to run around to protect someone who showed them contempt in the first place?

At this point I am making the legal blunder of crying wolf before the actual sighting, but my opinion is this: the man is guilty. May he go to jail. Amen.

lioness:

we congratulate EFCC. Thats the best thing that has happend to 9jia in a while. But lets be able to handle our own shiit yeah

@ Lioness..

HOW??

Who is going to bell the cat in this instance...??
Either you do not currently live in Nigeria or possibly live in a part that is far away from the realities of the moment..

Not meaning to be disrespectful here, but some of us can personally attest to incidents where the high and mighty live by one set of rules, and the rest of the populace by another..

You are condeming them for detaining such a personality as a state gov.. What gives him the bloody right to pull the wool over our eyes??.. The funds found on him were far in excess of what any sane human being would be carrying on his/her person in the form of liquid cash.. He was supposedly going overseas for treatment.. was the cash meant for the payment of the hospital bills Also, with our state of the art hospital facilities in Abuja, why go overseas in the first instance.. [I thot that was the whole essensce of building the National Hospital, Abuja in the first instance.. ]

Personally, I have had enough of people trying to play the devils' advocate in this matter.. If the powers that be were so concerned about our national image, they'd have tread a very correct line and not engaged in affairs which are detrimental to Nigeria as a whole, and their personage in particular..

To correct an impression here, I can believe in all honesty that the monies which were found in possesion of the bayelsa gov may not have come from drugs [as someone has mentioned above], but has anyone looked in the direction of compelled extortion of oil companies operating in the bayelsa area??.. For those of us conversant with the scene in the niger delta region, these practices have been going on for a while.. with full knowledge of the powers that be.. a couple of years ago, it was so rampant in warri that it compelled a lot of good businesses to avoid the area.. [this I believe was one of the issues which weighed in various company relocations from warri to phc..]

To end this with a very popular expression in Naija...

Lioness
"Shine ur eye oh"

Culled from another post... for your digestion...

..........................................................................................
Re: Asari Dokubo Arrested Over Threats to Blow Up Oil Installations
« #3 on: September 21, 2005, 12:55 PM »   [Nairaland]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nigeria is truly a wonderful place..

It is not enough that a man entrusted with the welfare of his people was caught clearly in contravention of the law.. Now sycophants come out to his defense with all sorts of stories..

That:

1. He is a victim of power-play by the powers that be in Abuja..
2. The money in question is not his, but he was simply in care of the alleged amounts..
3. Why should someone who has "Diplomatic Immunity" be arrested and prosecuted by foreign powers, in flagrant disregard to the sovereignty of the home nation.. (as if Diplomatic Immunity is now a license to abuse power and the trust given to you for the welfare of the governed, and loot at will)..

[Thank God they have now learned from the Dariye precedent that Nigerian Governors are not as honorable as they appear to be.. In that case, the guy fled home, not to return back to the UK, as we can all bear witness to the K-leg that that case developed..]

(to read all refer to main post  )

Ok Mr.Cimon Jorr. Where do u stand? what have u been trying to say? I really do not understand your point. Seems like I need some clarification from u if possible.