Literally, former Bayelsa State governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and some of his people have not been sleeping with both eyes closed – ever since information got to them that there are fresh plans to have him extradited to the United Kingdom to respond to money laundering charges.
Alamieyeseigha had been arrested in London in 2005, granted bail, only for him to flee to Nigeria. In Nigeria, he was re-arrested, granted bail and not too long ago was granted state pardon by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who did not only succeed him as the governor then, but went ahead to become Nigeria’s ruler.
Thinking that it’s all over, as far as the matter is concerned, Alams and his Bayelsa people were jolted days ago when the UK authorities started showing interest in the matter again. From Kpansia to Isaac Boro Road, INEC Road to several other places that we visited, the fear of Alam’s extradition was everywhere.
Already, the UK authorities had allegedly written to the Nigerian government, headed by Muhammadu Buhari, who is an avowed anti-corruption lord, and fears now abound that Alams may soon be on his way to London to take his turn in the court.
YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine equally gathered that other than Alams, some of his family members and political associates are also worried and anxious. The erstwhile governor is even said to be eyeing a senatorial seat in the next election. Again, he’s one of the staunch supporters of the incumbent governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, who is gunning for a second term. We later gathered that his extradition process will begin once a Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is appointed by Buhari – after the senate’s screening. But a source who does not want his name in print later added a new twist to the story as we were departing. According to him, “If the Federal Government doesn’t move fast, they may not be able to extradite Alams so easily.
“Remember there’s the case of a serving senator who ought to have been extradited before now? Alams may also decide to go that route – take them to court, and until the issue is resolved, nothing happens”.