The remains of late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of Bayelsa, has been laid to rest in his country home in Amassoma, Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, with prominent personalities extolling the late politician.

The former governor, fondly called “Governor General of Ijaw Nation” by his admirers, was buried Saturday after a commendation service by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa said Alamieyeseigha’s demise was a trying time for the Ijaw people.

Dickson described the man who had endorsed his second term bid before his death as “a bridge builder” who believed in what is right for his people.

“A bridge builder has departed in our state; a man who knows what is right and just. We know we have lost a true hero but we have put ourselves together and pray for his gentle soul to rest in peace,” he said.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as a deputy governor under Alams, described the deceased as a man of vision who brought development to the state.

Jonathan said that the late Ijaw leader’s legacy on education and infrastructural development would not be forgotten in the history of Bayelsa and the Ijaw Nation.

“He brought to us the Niger Delta University (NDU); he was a man with vision, champion for peace, unity and social integration,” Jonathan said.

Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Alamieyeseigha’s death was regrettable to the nation, and prayed for God’s grace to enable the deceased family to bear the loss.

Sheriff said that the late former governor was a real hero who championed the emancipation of his people.

“He was a real gem and true keeper of his people; may his soul rest in peace,” the acting PDP National Chairman said.

•Photo shows late Chief Alamieyeseigha.