Posted by From Collins Edomaruse in Abuja on
How did the governor returned to Nigeria? This is the question on the lips of many people from within and out side the oil and gas rich state. While some said he came by 'Egbesu" the legendary Ijaw projective god, others said he came by chartered flight direct from London.
How did the governor returned to Nigeria? This is the question on the lips of many people from within and out side the oil and gas rich state. While some said he came by 'Egbesu" the legendary Ijaw projective god, others said he came by chartered flight direct from London. That he did not land in Lagos or Abuja or Port Harcourt to avoid the prying eyes of the security operatives, as well as the presidency which want to unseat him by 'all means and at all cost.".
Even the governor did not help matters when in answers to reporters questions at his ancestral home, Amassoma said: 'How I returned to Nigeria remains mystery. Let no man take the glory. The whole glory goes to God almighty.
When THISDAY confronted an Amassoma resident on the return of the Governor, he did not only expressed his joy but also vowed that if any official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has double head, let them come here to arrest our son.
According to him, "the route through which the governor came into Nigeria is not important. What is important is that our son is here in Amassoma in his flesh and blood. Period!
In fact, Creek Haven, the Bayelsa State seat of power is not a place accessible to all. In most cases, visitors who could not properly explain their mission are often turned back at the first or second gate. Some who have genuine reasons to be in the executive mansion have to wait for hours at the main gate for clearance before they are allowed in.
However, this was not the case yesterday when Alamieyeseigha returned triumphantly to the warm embrace of his kinsmen.
Not only were the security operatives friendly, they also kept the main gate permanently opened as the surging crowd trooped in and out without any hassle. There were no checks. No security clearance. Nobody was stopped or turned back. It was an all comers affair. Indeed, it was a daywhen everybody had unhindered access to the state's seat of power.
And the Governor's supporters resurfaced
One noticeable trend since the governor's arrest in London was the fact that most of his close aides and supporters went underground. They did not only shunned public functions, but they also avoided anything that would attract the prying eyes of the people. For instance, most of them abandoned their luxurious cars for less attractive vehicles.
Nevertheless when Alamieyeseigha addressed the crowd shortly on arrival in Yenagoa, most of his supporters and close aides suddenly resurfaced.
The roll call include members of the state executive council, special advisers, the immediate past Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jepthan Foingha and the cousin of the governor, Chief Abel Ebifemowei. Besides being the co-ordinator of the Bayelsa Volunteers, a security outfit of the state government, Ebifemowei who is also the special adviser on Youths, Government House Transport and Logistics is the leader of Cartel, a political group which was instrumental to the emergence of many elected and appointed persons in government at the local, state, and national level