TRIBUTE TO CHIEF DIEPREYE SOLOMON Peter ALAMIEYESEIGHA (“DSP”) (16 November 1952 – 10 October 2015)
By Prof. Steve Azaiki
Many times we wait until a friend has died to tell the world what a wonderful person they were, and I’m just as guilty as the next person about that. Today, I would like to pay tribute to a very dear friend, brother and Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Let me describe my friend. We call him Governor General of the Ijaw nation because he was one of the most focused and intelligent political leaders of our time.
He always listened to his people however trivial the problem was. Alams, as we called him for short, always wanted to be strong for everyone and hated being vulnerable. As the rest of us whined about life, he was always optimistic and believed in tomorrow even in ill and deteriorating health conditions. Governor General was so full of life, so much that some of us forgot about his terminal illness.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Alams. When I heard the news, I immediately began reflecting on all the outrageously funny and wonderful times we spent together while in government, at home, during our travels within Nigeria and beyond.
He was a truly remarkable man who possessed the gift of laughter when necessary and strictness when required. He loved his people and did everything possible to promote their identity
Governor General was my boss, beloved by many who knew him. He was an exceptional leader because he tries to hire the best and allow them work with little supervision. Our team then, when he was Governor was an assemblage of some of the best our new state then could produce. He made us work so hard as though we were running against time to catch up with other states in terms of development projects.
Alams had a simple philosophy about what makes success in government business. “hire good people and have them do their jobs” he would say.
He was never overbearing, in humility he correct his lieutenants in simplicity he deciplines. Governor General gave people opportunity and then got out of the way allowing them to perform their best. His greatest gift was that he made our job fun. His leadership never changed even outside government.
The mind is sharp; it recollects. As I write, I can almost hear his voice with every word I pen. I figure, I can almost say these words the same exact way he does. Oh, the things I remember now. I remember the happy times, the tough times, and serious times. I remember his humility in character and firmness in belief. My last meeting with him, the laughs, the hugs, the instructions, the pessimism’s and the last phone call. I wish I knew that was our last.
My spirit is high because I know Alams lives on. The flesh may have returned to the dust, but his dreams of his people, his hopes of better days, and his cry for justice will live on.
Yes, I remember so many things about Alams. But what I remember, most of all that he was my friend, colleague and my boss. I am deeply saddened by his loss. I pray that God accept him unto His bosom and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Rest in Peace, my friend.
