Diepreye Alamieyeseigha facts for kids
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Diepreye Alamieyeseigha
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Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (right) with U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Howard F. Jeter (left), 6 July 2001
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| Governor of Bayelsa | |
| In office 29 May 1999 – 9 December 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Obi |
| Succeeded by | Goodluck Jonathan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 November 1952 Amassoma, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Bayelsa State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 10 October 2015 (aged 62) Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
Diepreye Solomon Peter "D.S.P." Alamieyeseigha (born 16 November 1952 – died 10 October 2015) was a Nigerian politician. He served as the Governor of Bayelsa State in Nigeria. He was governor from May 29, 1999, until December 9, 2005.
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Early Life and Career
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was born in Amassoma, Bayelsa State, on November 16, 1952. He went to Bishop Dimeari Grammar School in Yenagoa. In 1974, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy. After that, he became part of the Nigerian Air Force. He worked in the Logistics and Supply department.
He held many positions in the air force across different cities. These included Enugu, Makurdi, Kaduna, and Ikeja. Alamieyeseigha left the air force in 1992 as a Squadron Leader. After his military career, he worked in business. He was the head of Pabod Supplies in Port Harcourt. Later, he led the Budget, Planning, Research, and Development department at the National Fertiliser Company (NAFCON).
Becoming Governor of Bayelsa State
In May 1999, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was elected as the Governor of Bayelsa State. He was a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). This was the main ruling party at the time. He was re-elected for a second term in 2003. The Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, even attended his campaign event in March 2003.
Legal Challenges
Issues in the United Kingdom
In September 2005, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was held in London. He faced serious accusations related to money. Police found a lot of cash in his London home. They later found even more money and several expensive homes he owned in London. These properties were said to be worth a lot of money.
He was released on bail but left the United Kingdom in December 2005. There were claims he disguised himself, but he denied this. After he left, he was removed from his position as governor on December 9, 2005. This happened because of the accusations against him.
Legal Action in Nigeria
On July 26, 2007, Alamieyeseigha appeared in a Nigerian court. He accepted responsibility for some of the charges. He was given a prison sentence. However, because of how the sentences were set up and the time he had already spent in custody, he was released very quickly. Many of his properties were taken by the Bayelsa state government. He said he only accepted responsibility because of his age.
In April 2009, Alamieyeseigha promised to donate money to a community foundation. In December 2009, the Nigerian government worked with a British law firm. They helped to sell four expensive properties Alamieyeseigha had bought in London. One of these properties was bought for a large sum of cash in 2003. He used it as his home in London.
Actions in the United States
On June 28, 2012, the United States Department of Justice announced something important. They had taken control of over $400,000 in a bank account in Massachusetts. This money was linked to Alamieyeseigha. US prosecutors had said in 2011 that this money and a home in Rockville, Maryland, came from illegal activities. A judge agreed to take control of the money in June 2012.
In February 2023, the United States and Nigeria signed an agreement. This agreement was about returning about one million dollars. This money was said to have been taken by Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Presidential Pardon
On March 12, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan gave Alamieyeseigha a pardon. This decision meant his past legal issues were officially forgiven. However, many people did not agree with this pardon.
Death
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha passed away on October 10, 2015. It was first reported that he died from a heart attack. This happened at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Later, a state official explained more. They said he died from problems caused by high blood pressure and diabetes. These health issues had affected his kidney.
See also
- James Ibori
