An Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, Izon Brotherhood in the Diaspora, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible for the death of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Dieprieye Alamieyesiegha, who passed away yesterday in Port-Harcourt.

The Spokesman of the group, Arc. Pere Jones, in a statement issued from Germany, said the recent extradition notice by the United Kingdom aggravated the health of the former governor and his subsequent death.

Alamieyesiegha’s health was said to have deteriorated and he was rushed to a private hospital in Port Harcourt capital of neighbouring Rivers State, where he slipped into comma and doctors battled in vain to save his life.

Arc. Jones berated the APC, which he claimed was behind the recent extradition notice that was believed to have aggravated the poor health condition of the former Ijaw leader, who was said to have died of heart attack.

Jones condemned the alleged role of the APC which reportedly influenced the inclusion of Alamieyesiegha’s name among those wanted by the UK Government even after going through the whole legal hurdles of prosecution, conviction and later pardoned.

He was particularly critical of the role allegedly played by some Ijaw sons whom he accused of working hand-in-hand with the APC to undermine the Ijaw nation.

He said: “Clearly, it’s a shame to all our Ijaw brothers who are in league with the APC, witchhunting and working against their fellow Ijaw brothers ans sisters, being singled out for alleged corruption charges. They should be ashamed of themselves. Frankly no Ijaw man worth his salt should have anything to do with APC. With what they have done to our dear leader, Alamieyesiegha, no right thinking son or daughter of Ijaw extraction should be seen associating with the APC. His death is really unfortunate.”

•Photo shows late Alamieyeseigha.

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